Tomb of Kuang Zhong

Tomb of Kuang Zhong

The Tomb of Kuang Zhong is a cultural relic protection unit of Jiangxi Province.

The Tomb of Kuang Zhong is the mausoleum of Kuang Qingtian, an upright official of the Ming Dynasty, located at Wanjiawei on Shenshan Mountain in Yakou Village, Gaohu Town, Jing’an County. Originally built in 1383, it was destroyed in August 1966 during the “Criticize Lin Biao and Confucius” campaign to eradicate the “Four Olds.” In 1983, to commemorate the 600th anniversary of Kuang Zhong’s birth, the Jing’an County government decided to rebuild the tomb. The rebuilt tomb is no longer at the original site but is situated in the pine forest on the left side of the entrance gate to Kuang Zhong Garden within the county’s forest park. The tomb base is 1 meter high, the perimeter of the burial mound is 10 meters, the tomb chamber area is 12 square meters, the depth of the tomb chamber is 2 meters, the suspended coffin is 1 meter high, and the overall site covers 200 square meters. The tomb is still divided into three levels: the first level consists of three octagonal-shaped tombstones connected by staggered granite pillars, with inscriptions reading “Tomb of Kuang Zhong, Appointed Middle Counselor Official, Prefect of Suzhou, Promoted to Acting Prefect of the Surveillance Commission”; the second level is an oval grave mound, 1 meter high, constructed from granite; the third level includes three tomb epitaph stones, 2 meters high, composed of a stone cover, undulating stone strips, and stone ornaments.

Beside the tomb stands a pavilion named “Qingfeng Pavilion,” which is 3 meters tall with six angular pillars and upturned eaves. Inside the pavilion are carved portraits of Kuang Zhong, the “Preface to Qingfeng Pavilion,” and four farewell poems written by Kuang Zhong. The pavilion’s name is derived from the poetic line: “With clean sleeves I go to the court, not taking a single inch of silk from the south. Ashamed of the people seeing me off, I pour wine before my horse like a spring.” The pavilion pillars feature couplets praising Kuang Zhong: “With just a shoulder-load of belongings, ask how many in the feudal bureaucracy can compare? With sleeves clean as the wind, behold how the Prefect of Suzhou conducts himself.”

Upon entering the main gate of Kuang Zhong Garden, you will see a striking 5-meter-tall bronze statue of Kuang Zhong, covering a floor area of 2.2 square meters. The actual statue is 3 meters tall with a 2-meter-high base, using 2.2 tons of bronze. The statue depicts Kuang Zhong with a dignified yet amiable expression, serving as a mirror to cultivate public servant awareness and integrity. Throughout his life, Kuang Zhong was known for his clean governance, uprightness, and efforts to protect the people. He is recognized as one of China’s ancient “Three Upright Officials” (alongside Bao Qingtian and Hai Qingtian). His life story serves as an important educational lesson for future generations. The bronze statue was funded with 200,000 yuan from the Forestry Bureau of Yichun Regional Administration, crafted by Jiangxi Copper Factory, and organized by the Jing’an County government.

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of Jiangxi Provincial Cultural Relic Protection Units