King Tang’s Mausoleum Park

King Tang’s Mausoleum Park

King Tang’s Mausoleum Park is a cultural tourism attraction.

King Tang’s Mausoleum, the tomb of King Tang of the Shang Dynasty, is the resting place of one of ancient China’s most virtuous and revered sage-kings. His merits and virtues are deeply respected by the people, and there is also a touching folk legend about King Cheng Tang.

It is said that shortly after the founding of the Shang Dynasty, Bozhou suffered from years of severe drought without a single drop of rain. All kinds of methods to pray for rain proved futile. Later, a fortune-teller cast a divination and said that a human sacrifice was needed for the heavens to send rain. King Tang sighed deeply and said, “Praying for rain is for the benefit of the people. How can we offer our own people as sacrifices?” After a moment, he resolutely declared, “If it must be so, then let it be me!” He then chose an auspicious day. On that day, after bathing, cutting his hair and nails, and donning a plain white coarse garment, King Tang knelt before the altar and prayed, “Heavens, if I am the one at fault, do not punish the multitudes. If the people have sinned, let all their guilt be upon me alone. Please punish this sinful king instead.” Then, assisted by the fortune-tellers, he ascended a tall pyre. The people knelt around the pyre, watching their wise and benevolent king, tears streaming down their faces. When the time came to light the fire, the fortune-tellers set the pyre ablaze with torches. In moments, thick smoke billowed up, enveloping King Tang in the flames. By a remarkable coincidence, just then, thunder roared and lightning flashed across the sky, and a torrential rain poured down. Amid cheers, the people helped King Tang down from the pyre and escorted him back to the palace.

King Cheng Tang reigned for 13 years and was buried in Bozhou after his death. The story of praying for rain in the Sanglin forest has been passed down through generations, and the virtues of King Cheng Tang have been praised by people throughout history. To commemorate him, King Tang’s Mausoleum Park was specially built.