Tomb of Zhou Panlong

Tomb of Zhou Panlong

The Tomb of Zhou Panlong is a cultural relic protection unit of Wencheng County.

The Tomb of Zhou Panlong is located on Fangtougang in Longhushu Village, Shi Yuan Township, Wencheng County. Initially built in the 11th year of the Guangxu reign during the Qing Dynasty (1885), it faces south and covers an area of 131.5 square meters. It features a chair-like structure composed of three parts: the lower terrace, the upper terrace (worship terrace), and the burial chamber, all enclosed by a surrounding firewall. The entire structure is made of bluestone, with the lower terrace paved with square bluestone blocks, and a pair of flagpole stands installed on either side; the upper terrace has spirit cabinets on both sides and a pair of reclining lions in the center; the main facade of the burial chamber is inlaid with three carved stone slabs inscribed with the seal script characters “Tomb of Lord Zhou”; a pair of crouching lions are placed in front of the armrests of the burial chamber’s armchair-style enclosure, and a memorial archway is situated at the back. The entire tomb features a total of 12 couplets and 6 poems. Its luxurious design is rare among late Qing Dynasty tombs in southern Zhejiang. According to Dong Xianzeng’s “Inscription on the Tomb of Zhou Jun, an Imperial Tribute Student of the Qing Dynasty”: “Through diligence and thrift, he expanded his business and became wealthy, surpassing everyone in the region. Whenever residence architecture was discussed, his was always the first to be mentioned,” indicating that the tomb owner was the wealthiest man in the area.

Source: Wenzhou Museum