The Gao Family Cemetery

The Gao Family Cemetery

The Gao Family Cemetery is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The Gao Family Cemetery is located in Ga’ao Village, Beibaixiang, Yueqing City, Zhejiang Province.

The Gao Family Cemetery was built during the Ming Dynasty. Nestled against a hillside and encircling an ancestral hall, its unique layout forms the burial ground of Gao Youji and his family members. Gao Youji (1461–1546), styled Suzheng and also known by his courtesy name Nanping, passed the imperial examination in 1490 (the third year of the Hongzhi reign) during the Ming Dynasty and eventually became Minister of Justice, posthumously honored as Xiangjian. He authored the "Nanping Manuscripts." Among them, the tomb of Gao Youji is the most grandiose and uniquely designed, consisting of a main structure formed by three four-pillar, three-story memorial archways. The gravestones of seven family members spanning four generations are arranged according to the traditional Zhaomu (ancestral-descendant) order, showcasing distinct regional characteristics and an era-specific style that are truly rare. The tomb complex includes a spirit way gate, ornamental pillars, and stone statues. The tomb structures are divided into three groups: the central group contains the tombs of Gao Youji, his grandfather, and his father; the left group holds the tombs of his eldest and third sons; and the right group holds those of his second and fourth sons—all arranged according to the traditional ritual of placing ancestors on the left (Zhaomu) and descendants on the right. Each of the three groups features its own memorial archway: the central one is a four-pillar, three-archway structure, while the two side ones are six-pillar, five-archway structures with hip-and-gable roofs. There are also two stele pavilions, each with a single bay supported by four pillars, featuring five-tiered dougong brackets with hidden joints and hip-and-gable roofs.

This tomb provides crucial physical evidence for the study of Ming Dynasty official and family burial systems and customs. The stonework architecture of Gao Youji’s tomb mimics wooden structures, exhibiting exquisite craftsmanship and elegant design—regarded as a fine example of Ming Dynasty stone construction. In 2006, the Gao Family Cemetery was listed in the sixth group of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units by the State Council as a Ming Dynasty ancient tomb site.

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units