Jingchuan Park

Jingchuan Park

Jingchuan Park is located in Zuotaojia Village, Chenduqiao, Yonghong Township, in the southern suburbs of Changzhou. It was where Tang Jingchuan, a Ming Dynasty literary figure and anti-piracy hero, studied in his youth and is the second-largest comprehensive park in Changzhou.

The park was planned and built by the People’s Government of Changzhou in 1990. It features a beautiful environment and well-developed scenic areas, primarily including the study site of Mr. Tang Jingchuan, the tomb area, a large lawn activity zone, a flower and potted plant viewing area, and a children’s amusement water zone. The park's layout is dominated by a natural landscape design of semi-hills, gentle slopes, winding streams, and tranquil lakes, reflecting the characteristics of contemporary garden design.

In 1982, the tomb area of Mr. Tang Jingchuan was designated as a Jiangsu Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Tomb of Tang Jingchuan

Tang Jingchuan (1507–1561), a native of Changzhou during the Ming Dynasty, was originally named Tang Shunzhi. He adopted the alias "Jingchuan" due to his fondness for the scenery of the Jingxi Mountains. In 1529, at the age of 23, he passed the imperial examination and ranked first in the metropolitan-level tests conducted by the Ministry of Rites. He subsequently served as an editor in the Hanlin Academy. However, he returned home within a year due to illness and dedicated himself to scholarly pursuits for twenty years, becoming highly proficient in a wide range of subjects. In the early years of the Jiajing Emperor’s reign, he and Wang Shenzhong were leading figures of the Classical Prose Movement and were collectively known as “Wang and Tang.” Later, he, along with Gui Youguang and Wang Shenzhong, were referred to as the “Three Great Masters of the Jiajing Era.” Later generations also grouped him with Song Lian, Wang Yangming, and Fang Xiaoru as the “Six Great Masters of the Ming Dynasty.” He authored works such as "The Collected Works of Jingchuan" and "On the Inscribed Circle in Right Triangles." Tang Jingchuan was not only a renowned literary figure but also a celebrated anti-piracy hero. He was highly skilled in swordsmanship, horseback riding, and archery. Qi Jiguang, a famous general in the fight against pirates, once studied military tactics under him. At the age of 51, Tang was reinstated by the imperial court and held positions such as Right Censor-in-Chief, Director of the Ministry of War, and Governor of Fengyang. From then on, he personally led naval forces to repel pirates, achieving remarkable successes. Later, due to prolonged service at sea, he developed severe swelling in his legs and abdomen. He passed away from illness at the age of 54 while en route to take up his post in Fengyang.