Temple of Yu Qian

Temple of Yu Qian

The Temple of Yu Qian is a cultural tourism attraction.

Yu Qian (1398–1457), courtesy name Tingyi, was a native of Qiantang County (present-day Hangzhou) and an outstanding statesman and military strategist of the Ming Dynasty. He was wrongfully executed in Beijing on charges of "treason," but his spirit returned to his homeland, and his remains were buried at the current site.

After the case was redressed, Emperor Xiaozong of the Ming Dynasty posthumously honored him with the title "Suming" (Solemn and Compassionate) and built the Jinggong Shrine beside his tomb, establishing seasonal memorial ceremonies in spring and autumn, thus forming an integrated shrine-and-tomb complex.

The current tomb area was reconstructed in 1982 and consists of a tomb section and a shrine section. The tomb path is flanked by Ming-style stone statues of officials and animals, as well as a memorial archway. Various halls and chambers display historical materials and artifacts related to Yu Qian’s life.

Surrounded by pine and cypress trees, the solemn tomb area, along with the Yuewang Temple, forms a rare patriotic and educational cultural landmark by West Lake.

Yu Qian’s “Ode to Lime”

Thousands of hammers and chisels chip away from the mountains,

Fierce flames burn as if it were nothing.

I’ll not spare my body crushed to powder,

As long as I leave behind purity and honesty in the human world.

Transportation: Located at the foot of Santai Mountain by West Lake. Take bus routes 4, 308, or 599 to Chishanbu Station, then walk to the site.

Shaoxing City, Zhejiang Province

Yu Qian (1398–1457), courtesy name Tingyi, also known as Jie’an, was a native of Renhe (present-day Hangzhou) during the Ming Dynasty. Born into a family of scholar-officials, he was exceptionally intelligent from childhood and received a traditional upbringing. At age six, he entered a private school; at 15, he passed the county-level Confucian scholar examination. He read extensively, particularly admiring the writings of Su Wu, Zhuge Liang, Yue Fei, and Wen Tianxiang, and revered their integrity and moral character. After failing the local imperial examination at 17, he devoted himself to study. By age 20, he ranked among the top scholars in the county-level stipend program. At 23, he passed the provincial examination, and the following year, he topped the national metropolitan examination in the capital. In the 19th year of the Yongle era (1421) of the Ming Dynasty, he became a Jinshi (advanced scholar), but in the palace examination, his policy essay, which criticized current affairs, only... More details about Yu Qian++

Santai Mountain Community: Established in March 2001, Santai Mountain Community is located within the West Lake Scenic Area. Covering a total area of 8 square kilometers, the community includes five villages: Weng, Long, Man, Yang, and Shuangfeng. Residential areas are scattered, with a mix of rural and urban housing, and the terrain is rugged and mountainous, making it a typical urban-village community. It currently has 1,236 households and a total population of 3,184. Major institutions in the area include: China National Tea Museum, Zhejiang Foreign Affairs Office, provincial and municipal trade union sanatoriums, Zhejiang Hotel, Huagang HNA Resort Hotel, Huajia Mountain Villa, and Air Force Sanatorium. Notable scenic spots include: Tiger Running Spring, Longjing Tea Culture Village, Man... More details about Santai Mountain Community++