Memorial Hall of Hai Rui

Memorial Hall of Hai Rui

The Hai Rui Memorial Hall serves as a patriotic education base.

Hai Rui, a renowned statesman of the Ming Dynasty, was known for his uprightness and clean governance, and his stories have been passed down through the ages. In 1558, at the age of 45, Hai Rui was promoted to the position of magistrate of Chun’an County in Hangzhou, Zhejiang. The year 2008 marked the 450th anniversary of this event. On the morning of October 28, the opening ceremony of the Hai Rui Memorial Hall was grandly held at Qiandao Lake in Chun’an County. At the same time, the Hai Rui Memorial Hall was included as a “Hangzhou Model Site for Integrity Culture.”

Historical records indicate that at the time, Chun’an County was relatively underdeveloped economically and was located along a major north-south transportation route, where some officials often engaged in extortion. After taking office, Hai Rui strictly adhered to regulated standards for reception, remained unyielding in the face of power, and demonstrated integrity and uprightness, winning the deep affection of the people of Chun’an. In 1562, after Hai Rui was transferred away, the local residents spontaneously donated land and raised funds to build a “Departure Memorial Pavilion” in his honor. Later magistrates relocated the Temple of Lord Hai across from the county yamen, rebuilding it three times due to water supply issues. Currently, the Qiandao Lake Scenic Area has invested 5 million yuan to renovate it into the Hai Rui Memorial Hall. The Temple of Hai Rui, along with a Hai Rui Calligraphy Stele Forest, the “Longevity” Character Stele Pavilion, the Unstained Pond, the Ripple Pavilion, Gangfeng Forest, the Relief Hall, and the Three No’s Pavilion, are now displayed before the public.

The story of Hai Rui has been celebrated since the Ming Dynasty. This year marks the 450th anniversary of Hai Rui, the embodiment of a clean official in Chinese history, serving as magistrate of Chun’an County. Yesterday, the newly renovated Hai Rui Memorial Hall held a grand opening ceremony along with the unveiling ceremony of the “Hangzhou Model Site for Integrity Culture.”

Hai Rui served as the magistrate of Chun’an County from 1558 to 1562. During his tenure, he was deeply loved by the people of Chun’an for his clean governance and remarkable achievements. After he was transferred away, the locals spontaneously raised funds to build a “Departure Memorial Pavilion” in his honor. Later magistrates, in memory of the past and as a warning for the future, constructed a Shrine to Lord Hai, situated across the water from the then-county yamen. After the construction of the Xin’an River Reservoir, the original Shrine to Lord Hai was submerged. In 1985, the Temple of Hai Rui was rebuilt for the third time on Longshan Island in the central lake area of Qiandao Lake. This year, the Qiandao Lake Scenic Area Company invested 5 million yuan to transform the Temple of Hai Rui into the Hai Rui Memorial Hall. The display layout, content, and methods of showcasing Hai Rui culture within the hall were expanded on the original basis in three aspects, not only increasing the exhibition area dedicated to Hai Rui culture but also enriching its cultural connotations. The memorial hall has also been listed as a Hangzhou Model Site for Integrity Culture.