Chenfei’s Underwater Tomb

Chenfei’s Underwater Tomb

Chenfei’s Underwater Tomb is a cultural heritage site protected by Suzhou City.

Chenfei’s Underwater Tomb is located in Wubao Lake, south of Jinxi Town. In the first year of the Longxing era of the Song Dynasty (1163), when the Jin army invaded, Emperor Xiaozong fled south to Lin’an with his family. Along the way, Consort Chen fell ill and passed away. A water tomb was built to bury her. It was renovated in 1992 and designated as part of the second batch of cultural heritage sites in Kunshan City in 1997.

The Qing Dynasty’s Gazetteer of Gusu states that Consort Chen was a concubine of Emperor Guangzong of the Song Dynasty, while the Gazetteer of Kunshan County identifies her as a consort of Emperor Xiaozong. The Qianlong-era Gazetteer of Chenmu Town argues: “By comparing the two records, we see that Chenmu had a Taoist temple where Emperor Xiaozong stayed during the Southern Song migration, and where he personally inscribed the name ‘Tong Shen An’ (Spirit-Communicating Nunnery). This confirms that Emperor Xiaozong did visit this place, making it certain that she was his consort.”

After Chenfei’s water burial, Emperor Xiaozong ordered the construction of Lianchi Chan Monastery by the shores of Wubao Lake, appointing monks to maintain it. As a result, Jinxi was renamed “Chenmu” (Chen’s Tomb), as noted by a Ming Dynasty literary figure...

Who sees the golden duck in the tomb beneath the stream,

Empty, the fragrant jade encloses the fair one’s dream.

The emperor’s love flows on with the water,

Yet leaves the cold stream still bearing Chen’s appellation.

The name “Chenmu” (Chen’s Tomb) was used for nearly 800 years.

Address: Inside the Ancient Town Scenic Area of Jinxi, Kunshan City, Suzhou

Type: Historic Site / Tomb / Historical Architecture

Recommended Visit Duration: About 20 minutes