Zhang Cangshui Memorial Temple

Zhang Cangshui Memorial Temple

The Zhang Cangshui Memorial Temple is located at the foot of Lizhi Peak on Nanping Mountain in the West Lake area, covering a construction area of 250 square meters. With its white walls and blue tiles, the temple features the architectural style of traditional Jiangnan-style residences from the Qing Dynasty. Behind the temple lies the tomb of Zhang Cangshui. The burial of this anti-Qing national hero by the shores of West Lake has an emotional and true story behind it, and the inscription on his tombstone — "Tomb of Mr. Wang" — also has its own intriguing backstory.

The Zhang Cangshui Memorial Hall consists of stelae, statues, plaques, paintings, and couplets, creating a strong sense of the era and artistic impact. Inside the hall, there are ten stelae engraved with details about Mr. Zhang Cangshui’s life, poetry, writings, and inscriptions from later generations. Eight murals vividly depict his life of patriotism and love for the people. Calligraphy works written by contemporary masters such as Sha Menghai and Qi Gong further enhance the solemn and respectful atmosphere of the temple.

The tomb of Zhang Cangshui is located approximately 100 meters south of the temple and is a key cultural relic protection unit of Zhejiang Province. Situated at the foot of Lizhi Peak on Nanping Mountain in the West Lake area, it neighbors the tomb of Zhang Taiyan. The tombstone is inscribed with “Tomb of the Late Mr. Zhang Cangshui of Yin.” To the east and west of the main tomb are the burial sites of Yang Guanyu and Luo Zimu, who were captured and executed alongside him. To the front left of the tomb lies the Zhang Cangshui Memorial Temple.

In the eighth year of the Qianlong reign (1743), a Taoist priest named Wu Qianyang from Hangzhou raised funds to renovate Zhang Cangshui’s tomb, constructing a tomb path and erecting a spirit way stele. The stele bears an inscription titled “Epitaph for the Spirit Way of the Late Minister of War and Hanlin Academician of Yin, Mr. Zhang Cangshui,” written by Quanzuzhang, a renowned scholar and successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations of the first year of the Qianlong reign (1736) from Yin County. The inscription details Zhang Cangshui’s life journey and praises him as “the cuckoo that returned to Nanping, singing with blood.”

Visiting Guide

Museum Address: Sudikou, Nanshan Road, Hangzhou City

Local Transportation: Bus lines K4, Y1, Y2, Y3, Y6, Y7, Y9, J5, J9, 315, 504, 514, K808, K822

Opening Hours: 8:30–16:30, closed every Monday, free admission all year round

Zhang Huangyan (1620–1664) — A minister and literary figure of the Southern Ming Dynasty. His courtesy name was Xuanzhu and his pseudonym was Cangshui. He was a native of Yin County, Zhejiang. In the 15th year of the Chongzhen reign of the Ming Dynasty (1642), he passed the imperial examination as a juren (recommended man). In the second year of the Shunzhi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1645), he raised troops in his hometown together with Qian Sule, supporting the Prince of Lu, who set up a court in Shaoxing. He was appointed by the Prince of Lu as a Hanlin academician and a censor of the Board of War. In the seventh year of the Shunzhi reign (1650), when Qing forces occupied Zhejiang and Fujian, the Prince of Lu retreated to the Zhoushan Archipelago. Zhang Huangyan was appointed as Vice Minister of War. The following year, he accompanied the Prince of Lu back to Fujian and joined forces with Zheng Chenggong. Later, they launched several attacks deep into the Yangtze River region to strike against Qing forces. Meanwhile, the Prince of Gui declared himself the Yongli Emperor in southern China... More information on Zhang Huangyan ++