Tomb of Wang Shouren (Tomb of Wang Yangming)

Tomb of Wang Shouren (Tomb of Wang Yangming)

The Tomb of Wang Shouren (Tomb of Wang Yangming) is a cultural tourism attraction.

Wang Yangming (1472–1528) was an outstanding philosopher and educator of China’s Ming Dynasty. His given name was Shouren and courtesy name Bo’an. In the 12th year of the Hongzhi reign (1499) during the Ming Dynasty, he passed the imperial examination and rose to the position of Minister of War. Throughout his life, he advocated “the Study of the Mind” and was the founder of the Yaojiang School. In the 6th year of the Jiajing reign (1527), he was summoned to lead a campaign in the west. The following winter, he fell ill and returned home, passing away en route and was buried near Hongxi by Orchid Pavilion.

Wang Yangming’s tomb is backed by Xianxia Mountain. All around the burial ground, ancient pines stand tall, with continuous mountain ranges and emerald peaks glistening with dew. Approaching his grave, a breath of fresh air greets you, bringing a uniquely clear state of mind and a sudden refreshment of spirit. During the Qingming Festival, a few patches of fresh soil on Wang Yangming’s tomb sprout tender green shoots. A gentle breeze stirs the young greens, evoking deep and lingering emotions. In this silent twilight, Wang Yangming’s tomb blends harmoniously with heaven and earth in tranquil unity.

Wang Yangming was not only a master of the Study of the Mind but also an expert in geomancy. The site of his tomb on Xianxia Mountain was personally chosen by him and stands as the finest testament to his theories of feng shui. The tomb faces south and is backed by mountains; to the left lies the Azure Dragon (Miaoshan), to the right the White Tiger (Yinshan), in front the Vermilion Bird (Dagangshan), and behind the Black Tortoise (Xianxia Mountain). On both sides of the incoming ridges flow “cicada-wing” and “shrimp-whisker” streams, with the Hongxi River encircling the site. In front, verdant mountains on either side stand like attendants, stretching gracefully into the distant horizon.

The tomb was personally selected by Master Yangming during his lifetime. It is located at the southern foot of Xianxia Mountain, Hongxi, Huajie, Lanting Town, Shaoxing County, Shaoxing City, Zhejiang Province, and was built in the 8th year of the Jiajing reign (1529). It consists of a tomb path, platform, burial chamber, tombstone, and offering table. Facing south and backed by hills, it follows the natural slope of the land, ascending step by step to offer wide views and excellent feng shui. From the pathway to the top of the tomb, it spans 80 meters in length and 30 meters in width, constructed with granite in the original style, with steps and ornamentation faithful to ancient designs. The inscription “Tomb of Master Wang Yangming of the Ming Dynasty,” eight large characters, was calligraphed by the renowned artist Shen Ding’an. At the center is a bluestone platform for distant viewing and commemoration. Dozens of ancient trees with embracing trunks surround the tomb, adding to its solemn atmosphere. Lush greenery thrives year-round on both sides of the burial mound. The site covers over 2,000 square meters. The current form of the tomb was renovated in 1987 with funding from the Shaoxing County Government. It is now a Zhejiang Provincial Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The burial site is located at the southern slope of Xianxia Mountain, about two li south of Orchid Pavilion, the sacred land of calligraphy. It consists of a tomb path, platform, burial chamber, tombstone, and offering table, facing south and backed by hills. Following the natural terrain, it ascends step by step to offer wide views and excellent feng shui. From the pathway to the top of the tomb, it spans 80 meters in length and 30 meters in width, constructed with granite in the original style, with steps and ornamentation faithful to ancient designs. The inscription “Tomb of Master Wang Yangming of the Ming Dynasty,” eight large characters, was calligraphed by the renowned artist Shen Ding’an. At the center is a bluestone platform for distant viewing and commemoration. Dozens of ancient trees with embracing trunks surround the tomb, adding to its solemn atmosphere. Lush greenery thrives year-round on both sides of the burial mound.

Transportation

Take bus routes 303 or 3 to Huajie, then walk for 10 minutes

Location of the Attraction

Southern slope of Xianxia Mountain, Huajie Village, Lanting Town, Shaoxing County, Shaoxing City, Zhejiang Province, China

Wang Shouren (1472–1529) was a Chinese philosopher of the Ming Dynasty and the synthesizer of the idealist School of the Mind. His courtesy name was Bo’an and his pseudonym Yangming. A native of Yuyao, Zhejiang, he was a renowned thinker, writer, philosopher, and military strategist of the Ming era, and the consummate proponent of the Lu-Wang School of the Study of the Mind. He had profound knowledge of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. Wang Shouren is ranked alongside Confucius, Mencius, and Zhu Xi as one of the great sages of Chinese philosophy. His philosophical doctrine, known as the Wang School (or Yangming School), was the most influential school of thought during the Ming Dynasty. His teachings spread throughout China, Japan, the Korean Peninsula, and Southeast Asia. A paragon of both virtue and scholarship, his achievements were unparalleled in the Ming era... More details about Wang Shouren ++