The Tombs of Chen Zheng and Chen Yuanguang

The Tombs of Chen Zheng and Chen Yuanguang

The Tombs of Chen Zheng and Chen Yuanguang are cultural tourism attractions.

Located at the foot of General Mountain, 3 kilometers west of Yunxiao County, this site is one of the Sacred Traces of the Opening of Zhangzhou. It is the joint burial place of Chen Zheng, father of "Sacred King of Zhangzhou" Chen Yuanguang, and his wife, Lady Sikongshi.

Chen Zheng’s tomb was initially built in the second year of the Yifeng era of the Tang Dynasty (677 AD). The tomb complex is grand in scale, featuring a memorial hall, stone figures, stone beasts, and a spirit way stele. According to inscriptions on unearthed pillars, the stone horse sculptures such as the "armored cavalry" in front of the tomb were added in the Gengzi year of the Jiayou era of the Southern Song Dynasty (1240 AD). Their style and craftsmanship are rare in China.

Chen Zheng, courtesy name Yimin, was from Gushi, Guangzhou (present-day Henan). In the second year of the Zongzhang era of the Tang Dynasty (669 AD), due to peasant uprisings in Quanzhou and Chaozhou, Chen Zheng was ordered to come to Fujian to "suppress the rebellion." In April 677 AD, Chen Zheng passed away and was buried on General Mountain. His son, Chen Yuanguang, succeeded him in his post.

In the second year of the Chuigong era of the Tang Dynasty (686 AD), the Sacred King of Zhangzhou, Chen Yuanguang, established Zhangzhou Prefecture in Xilin Village, Yunxiao County. Since then, Yunxiao has been regarded as the birthplace of Zhangzhou Prefecture, attracting numerous domestic and international tourists to seek their roots and pay homage.

The current tomb site still preserves large-scale stone carvings from the Tang Dynasty, including horses and sheep. Nearby, there are scenic spots such as the Sword Grinding Stone and the Sword Testing Stone. The area has now been developed into General Mountain Park, which includes new attractions such as the park entrance gate, Dragon Pool, and Guide Tower.

Near the tomb, there is a stream called Makeng, which is said to have been the place where the Chen family watered their horses. At the foot of the mountain, there is a Sword Grinding Stone. General Mountain has an elevation of 426 meters and is known for its lofty and elegant beauty. On clear nights during the Lantern Festival or Mid-Autumn Festival, when the bright moon moves westward, it appears to hang atop the mountain peak when viewed from the city—this sight is known as "The General Hanging the Moon" and is considered a major scenic highlight of Yunxiao.

Chen Zheng (616–677 AD) was the son of Chen Du, courtesy name Kegeng, whose ancestral home was Hedong, Shanxi. He was the son of Chen Guoren, a Sui Dynasty general who was stationed in Guangzhou, Henan. In the late Sui Dynasty, Chen Du persuaded Chen Guoren to surrender to the Tang Dynasty with 50,000 elite troops. After Emperor Gaozu of the Tang Dynasty pacified the realm, Chen Du was honored as a founding hero, appointed as Middle Colonel of the Yulingwei Yifu Guard, and granted the title of Marquis of Jiemei Jiaqing. After his first wife died, Chen Zheng was born to Chen Du and Wei Jing, and he was the third son. Chen Zheng, an early Tang Dynasty figure from Hedong (present-day Shanxi), was one of the generals who opened up Zhangzhou. In his youth, he followed his father Chen Du in capturing cities such as Linfen. Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty appointed him as Left Colonel.

Courtesy name Yimin, art name Suxuan, early Tang Dynasty... More detailed information about Chen Zheng++

Further reading:

· Seventh Batch of Major National Historical and Cultural Sites