Zhao Puchu’s Tomb Garden

Zhao Puchu’s Tomb Garden

Zhao Puchu’s Tomb Garden is a cultural relic protection unit of Anhui Province.

Zhao Puchu’s Tomb Garden is located in Qilin Village, Siquan Town, Taihu County. In May 2000, Zhao Puchu passed away. On October 4, 2004, with the approval of the relevant central authorities, his wife, Ms. Chen Bangzhi, accompanied by leaders from central and state departments, personally brought his remains back to his hometown for a tree burial.

The construction of the tomb garden began in August 2001 and was completed by the end of 2004. Covering an area of 9 hectares, it is located about 250 meters east of Zhao Puchu’s former residence, known as “Zhuangyuan Mansion.” The garden is built along the mountain terrain, with a central axis forming a spirit path that winds upward in tiers. Along this axis are arranged, in sequence, a plaza, a stone gate archway, a moon pond, a stele pavilion, a viewing platform, a bronze statue of Mr. Zhao Puchu, a stone sculpture gallery depicting his life, a memorial platform, and the site for the tree burial of his remains.

Zhao Puchu’s Former Residence (commonly called Zhuangyuan Mansion by locals) is located in Qilin Village, Siquan Town, Taihu County. Originally built in the second year of the Xianfeng reign during the Qing Dynasty (1852), it took three years to complete. It was constructed by Zhao Yun, the great-great-grandfather of Zhao Puchu, in memory of his father, Zhao Wenkai, who was the top scholar in the first year of the Jiaqing reign. The residence underwent four renovations or expansions throughout history. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, it served as the office space for the Siquan District government. It was damaged by flooding during the construction of the Hualiangting Reservoir in 1958.

From 1911 to 1920, Zhao Puchu lived here with his parents and left Zhuangyuan Mansion at the age of 15 to study in Shanghai. In May 2005, the Taihu County government decided to restore Zhuangyuan Mansion at a 1:1 scale as an exhibition hall for Zhao Puchu’s life achievements. The main structure was completed by the end of 2006. The residence follows a “three-courtyard, three-row” layout with nine bays, featuring a brick-and-timber structure with small blue tiles. It consists of 34 rooms of various sizes, with a total floor area of 2,640 square meters. It is a typical example of residential Huizhou-style architecture from the Qing Dynasty, holding significant architectural, cultural, and heritage value.

In October 2009, the Taihu County People’s Government designated it as a county-level key cultural relic protection unit. In June 2012, it was listed as a provincial-level key cultural relic protection unit by the Anhui Provincial People’s Government.

Protected Area: The Tomb Garden and Zhuangyuan Mansion.

Construction Control Zone: Beyond the protected area, the boundary walls of the Tomb Garden extend 10 meters outward. The Zhuangyuan Mansion has a 20-meter buffer beyond its drip line, and the front plaza extends 10 meters outward.

Siquan Town: Located in the northwest of Taihu County, Siquan Town is a cultural ancient town by the side of the national scenic area Hualiangting Lake. It is the hometown of the late Zhao Puchu, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Honorary Chairman of the Central Committee of the China Democratic League, President of the Buddhist Association of China, renowned social activist, and outstanding patriotic religious leader.

Siquan Town boasts beautiful mountains and rivers, and is a place of outstanding people and spiritual energy, rich in tourism resources. Within its territory, Hualiangting Lake features mountains within the water and water within the mountains, with the landscape blending harmoniously in a breathtaking scenery. The mountains are covered with ancient trees, lush pines, dense bamboo forests, cascading waterfalls, flowing springs, exotic flowers, and fragrant plants. Attractions include “Camel Peak,” “Heavenly Pillar Tower,” … More details about Siquan Town ++

Further Reading:

· The Fifth Batch of Municipal-Level Cultural Relic Protection Units in Anqing City