Shrine of Lord Shi

Shrine of Lord Shi

The Shrine of Lord Shi is a cultural tourism attraction.

The shrine is the memorial temple of Shi Kefa, a late Ming Dynasty hero who resisted the Qing invasion. It houses a cenotaph for Shi Kefa. In front of the tomb stands the "Shi Kefa Memorial Hall," which displays a 2-meter-tall statue of Shi Kefa, multiple authentic manuscripts in his handwriting, as well as other valuable historical relics. History: In the first year of the Hongguang era (1645), Shi Kefa was appointed Grand Secretary of the Eastern Pavilion and Minister of War, commanding troops in Yangzhou. The Qing regent Dorgon attacked Yangzhou with tens of thousands of soldiers and repeatedly tried to persuade Shi Kefa to surrender, but he refused. Eventually, outnumbered and unable to hold the city, Yangzhou fell. Shi Kefa failed in an attempt to commit suicide and was captured. He remained steadfast and was executed, at the age of only 44.

The Shrine of Lord Shi was built during the Qing Qianlong era. The shrine is filled with elegiac couplets from both ancient and modern times, most of which commemorate the virtuous and praise Shi Kefa's noble spirit of sacrificing himself for righteousness. Upon entering the courtyard, the first thing you see is a couplet hanging in front of Shi Kefa’s tomb: “A few plum blossoms—tears; two bright moons—the loyal minister’s heart,” written by the Qing literatus Zhang Er. In 1962, on the 360th anniversary of Shi Kefa’s birth, the great contemporary writer Guo Moruo wrote a poem in his memory: “The nation lives and perishes with it; the towering temple stands majestically. The fragrance of plum blossoms lingers beneath Plum Blossom Ridge, when will the iron return to its native land?” Transportation: Take bus No. 1 from the bus stop at 24 Guangchu Menwai Street in Yangzhou, or bus No. 8 from the West Bus Station.

Transportation

Tourist shuttle buses and special tourist lines stop at Shrine of Lord Shi (Maternal and Child Health Hospital) station; buses No. 30 and No. 60 (night service) stop at Shrine of Lord Shi station.

Admission

Adults: 20 RMB, Students: 10 RMB, Guide fee: 20–40 RMB

Opening Hours

April–October: 8:30–17:30; November–March: 8:30–17:30

Location

No. 9, Fengle Shangjie, Hanjiang District, Yangzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China