Zhejiang Zhongshan Memorial Forest Stele

Zhejiang Zhongshan Memorial Forest Stele

The Zhejiang Zhongshan Memorial Forest Stele is a cultural relic protection unit of Hangzhou.

The Zhejiang Zhongshan Memorial Forest Stele was built in 1928 by the Zhejiang Provincial Government to commemorate Dr. Sun Yat-sen and his advocacy for tree planting and greening campaigns.

Dr. Sun placed great importance on afforestation throughout his life. In 1893, he proposed in his “Letter to Li Hongzhang” that “for China to become strong, agricultural science must be rapidly developed and tree cultivation emphasized.” Shortly after the establishment of the Nanjing Provisional Government of the Republic of China, where he served as the provisional president, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry was established in May 1912, with a Forestry Department under it to oversee national forestry administration. In July 1915, the government designated the traditional “Qingming Festival” as Arbor Day. In 1924, during a speech in Guangzhou—Dr. Sun repeatedly emphasized: “Our research shows that the fundamental way to prevent floods and droughts is afforestation—to create large-scale forests across the nation.” In 1928, to commemorate the third anniversary of Dr. Sun’s passing, a tree-planting ceremony was held, and Arbor Day was moved from Qingming to his death date, March 12. This tradition has continued to this day.

The stele is inscribed with a notice from the provincial government, the full text of which is as follows:

It is hereby proclaimed that the tree-planting ceremony shall be held on the anniversary of the Premier’s passing, and a memorial forest shall be created on the slopes of Phoenix Mountain.

To ensure its eternal preservation, it must be carefully protected. Grazing of cattle and sheep is strictly prohibited, as is unauthorized felling of trees.

Should any trees be damaged or trampled upon, those responsible will be apprehended and severely punished. This is hereby engraved in stone as a solemn warning—all are to strictly heed this decree.

The Zhejiang Zhongshan Memorial Forest Stele holds high historical value and was designated in July 2000 by the Hangzhou Municipal People’s Government as part of the third batch of municipal-level cultural relic protection units.

Protected area: bordered by the 94-meter contour line on the east, west, and north sides, and by the 89-meter contour line on the south side, covering a total area of approximately 1,338 square meters.

Address: Southern slope of Phoenix Mountain

Transportation: Take bus routes 30 or K30 to Fengshanmen Station, then walk up the mountain along Fenghuangshan Foot Road. Alternatively, you can reach Ciyun Ridge via the Yuhuang Mountain scenic route and head east from there.