Tomb of You Ruo

Tomb of You Ruo

The Tomb of You Ruo is a cultural relic protection unit of Qufu City.

Tomb of You Ruo — Located 4 kilometers southeast of Qufu City and 500 meters southeast of Nanzhuan Village. The wooded area spans 46 meters from east to west and 47 meters from north to south. The tomb of You Ruo is situated slightly north of the center. Originally, the earthen mound had a diameter of 5 meters and a height of 4 meters, surrounded by an octagonal brick wall. In front of the tomb stood a stele inscribed with “Tomb of the Venerable Master You.” Both the tomb and the stele were destroyed during the Cultural Revolution. It was designated as a cultural relic protection unit of Qufu City in 1986.

You Ruo (518 BC – mid-5th century BC), also known as Master You, was an important disciple of Confucius and is revered in Confucian worship. His surname was You, given name Ruo, courtesy name Ziyou or, according to some accounts, Ziruo (the source of the latter is uncertain).

Birth and Death Dates

According to “Records of the Grand Historian · Biographies of Confucius’ Disciples,” You Ruo was 43 years younger than Confucius, placing his birth year at 508 BC. However, “The Family Sayings of Confucius · Accounts of the Seventy-Two Disciples” states that he was 33 years younger, which would place his birth in 518 BC. Given that “The Family Sayings” is considered a more primary source, 518 BC is taken as the more accurate birth year.

There are no definitive historical records regarding his death. However, “The Book of Rites · Tan Gong” mentions “You Ruo’s…” More detailed information on You Ruo ++