牌楼，是一种有柱子、门形的建筑物。一般比较高大，由两个或四个并列的柱子构成，上面有檐。最初的时候，牌楼是为了表彰 功勋、科第、德政以及忠孝节义所立的纪念物，也称为牌坊。

The pailou (decorated archway) is a kind of architectural structure which features pillars and is in the shape of a gate. Generally speaking, pailou archways are fairly tall and wide, and composed of two or four pillars with eaves on the top. Originally, pailou archways were a kind of monument to recognize meritorious service, outstanding performance on imperial examinations, benevolent leadership, as well as demonstrated loyalty, filial piety, etiquette and obligation. In this sense, they were also known by the term paifang (memorial archway).

　　后来，在园林、庙宇、宫苑、衙署、陵墓和街道都会建造牌楼，作为装饰或者标明地名之用。

Later, pailou archways were built in parks, temples, imperial gardens, administration offices, mausoleums and streets for decorative purposes or to indicate place names.

　　牌楼有木牌楼、石牌楼、琉璃牌楼等。现在在一些大的庆祝活动中，也有用竹、木等搭成的临时牌楼。

There were also different varieties of pailou archways, including wooden archways, stone archways, and colored glaze archways. Today, pailou archways made of wood or bamboo are sometimes temporarily erected for major celebrations.

　　北京是中国牌楼最多的城市，曾建有牌楼百余座，现存70多座。

Beijing has more pailou archways than any other cities in China. There were once over 100 pailou archways in the capital, with over 70 still remaining today.