Tomb of Chen Ruolin

Tomb of Chen Ruolin

The Tomb of Chen Ruolin is a cultural relic protection unit of Fuzhou City.

The Tomb of Chen Ruolin is located on the eastern slope of Beiyuanshantou Ridge in Gaishan Town, Cangshan District. It is the burial site of Chen Ruolin, a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations during the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty, who served as Governor-General of Liangguang, Governor-General of Huguang, and Minister of Justice. The original site included a funeral pavilion, memorial archway, stone statues of officials and animals, all of which were destroyed during the Cultural Revolution. In 1983, it was designated as a municipal cultural relics protection unit. In 1984, the government allocated funds for renovation and sealed the tomb chamber.

The tomb faces east with a 20-degree southward orientation, in the shape of a Ruyi (scepter). It is built with rammed earth and consists of three terraces. It is approximately 14 meters wide and 33 meters deep.

Inside the earthen mound are five chambers arranged side by side, with Chen Ruolin in the center, flanked by his wife, concubines, sons, and daughters-in-law. In front of the mound stands a tombstone that is 1.25 meters high and 1.33 meters wide, made of bluestone. The inscription in regular script reads: “Tomb of Grand Minister of Justice Chen Wangpo of the Qing Dynasty. Erected on the 20th day of the 11th month of the 12th year of the Daoguang reign (1832), the year of Renchen.”

The base of the tombstone features animal and floral patterns. Between the offering table and the tombstone is a bas-relief of a lion playing with a jewel. The front edge of the offering table is carved with eight bats and a “circle of longevity,” while the front skirt of the table has a bas-relief of a green dragon, vividly rendered. The inscribed couplet on the tomb pillars reads: “Dew of clarity bestows exceptional grace, forever safeguarding this blessed land; white clouds proclaim your glorious deeds, worthy of this honorable stele.” On both sides, the mirror screens bear inscriptions in regular script: “The virtuous aura of mountains and rivers nurtures divine spirits; the lofty branches of pines and cypresses cast protective shade.”

The tombstone is flanked by inscribed screens with a eulogy by Chen Shouchi, a proofreader and instructor at the Wenyuan Pavilion, a Hanlin academician, and head of the Aofeng Academy: “□□□□, □□□□. □□□ Tang, Chen made laws and governed borders. Pacified the south, banners high. Moved to rule Yue lands, lakes and hills crowned with official hats. Supreme command, mighty and fearsome, Jing and Xiang, Yuan and Li. The nation had its Taos and Lius, joyous and harmonious. Softened distant Qiong and Zuo, secured nearby Ba and Yu. Like Wei Gao tamed and rode, like Yan Wu enjoyed leisure. Autumn trials clear and bright, none but you would do. Internally led the Shuangjiu, eliminated harsh burdens. Served both home and abroad, over forty years. All shared their duties, imperial words rich in praise. Retired due to illness, rode the white clouds. Imperial steles and posthumous grants, honoring loyal merit. Beiyuan lush and full, the minister’s resting place. Rest well in the netherworld, descendants carry on the work. The 11th month of the renchen year of the Daoguang reign, humble student Shouchi respectfully praises.”

Beside the Tomb of Chen Ruolin lies the tomb of his concubine, Lady Hong, as well as the tomb of Chen MaoFu, son of Chen Baochen.

In 1983, it was designated as a municipal cultural relics protection unit.

Gaishan Town: A town under the jurisdiction of Cangshan District, Fuzhou City. Established as Chaoyang Commune in 1970, renamed Gaishan Commune in 1978, changed to a township in 1984, and upgraded to a town in 1992. Located in the southeastern part of Nantai Island, it covers an area of 36 square kilometers with a population of 63,000. The Fuzhou-Xiamen Highway and the Airport Highway pass through the area, with a crisscross network of roads within its jurisdiction. It administers Gaohu, Jiangbian, Puxia, Houban, Yuzhai, Guozhai, Baihu, Yexia, Hulu Zhen, Beiyuan, Shoushan, Qi’an, Dongxing, Lisheng, Yuejin, Pukou, Zhulan, Xin’an, Bantian, Zhongshan, Shangbao, Wufeng, Wushan, Zhaoyu, Yangxia, Liufeng, Tianshui, and other areas... More detailed information about Gaishan Town++