Tomb of Qu Jingchun

Tomb of Qu Jingchun

The Tomb of Qu Jingchun is a protected cultural heritage site of Jiangsu Province.

The Tomb of Qu Jingchun is located at Zhaojiabang at the western foot of Yushan Mountain. Built against the mountain and facing Shanghu Lake, it stands alone between the two peaks of Yushan. Originally, the tomb complex was grand and imposing, featuring stone carvings such as statues of officials (wengzhong), animals, pavilions, and archways, with an imperial sacrificial stele placed inside the pavilion—however, all these were later destroyed. Two major restorations in 1986 and 2001 gradually restored its former appearance. It now covers an area of about 1,600 square meters, with the tomb mound having a diameter of 4 meters and a height of 1.5 meters, enclosed by a circular wall and an outer worship platform. The tomb path extends over 90 meters, with stone animals and officials (wengzhong) from the Ming Dynasty, recently relocated, placed along both sides. Behind the mound stands a stele inscribed with the text “Tomb of Qu Wenqi, the Late Minister of the Ming Dynasty.” Qu Jingchun (1507–1569), courtesy name Shidao, also known as Kunhu, was a native of Ouqu in Changshu. Gifted from a young age, he was able to write essays by the age of 8. During the Jiajing era of the Ming Dynasty, he ranked first in the metropolitan examination (Huiyuan) and second in the palace examination (Bangyan), subsequently being appointed as a compiler at the Hanlin Academy. He was known for his integrity and uprightness. He was once dispatched by imperial decree to Fengyang to confer a title upon Zhu Zaihou, a son of the Prince of Zheng. He was highly trusted and managed political affairs with great diligence. Later, he declined a noble title offered by the emperor. In his later years, he served as the Minister of Rites and concurrently as an academician of the Hanlin Academy, overseeing the collation of the Yongle Encyclopedia and editing the Veritable Records of the Jiajing Emperor. He was posthumously honored as the Minister of Rites and given the posthumous name “Wenqi.” The stone animals and officials (wengzhong) in front of his tomb are exquisitely crafted, holding significant reference value for the study of ancient stone carving art and also offering insights into the layout of Ming Dynasty tombs. This tomb was designated as a provincial-level cultural heritage protection unit on June 5, 2006.

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of Jiangsu Provincial Cultural Heritage Protection Units