Tomb of Duke Hu of Chen

Tomb of Duke Hu of Chen

The Tomb of Duke Hu of Chen is a national AA-level tourist attraction and a cultural tourism site.

The Tomb of Duke Hu of Chen houses the grave of Duke Hu of Chen, commonly known as the Iron Tomb of Hu. Located on the southern shore of Nantan Lake in the southeast of Longhu Lake in Huaiyang, this tomb is the ancestral burial site of the Chen surname in China.

Duke Hu of Chen, whose given name was Guiman, was a descendant of Emperor Shun. After King Wu of Zhou overthrew the Shang Dynasty, he enfeoffed Guiman in the land of Chen and gave him his eldest daughter, Daji, in marriage. Guiman was a man of great vision and talent. He established the State of Chen, built the city of Chen, developed various industries, and brought prosperity to the people, making the State of Chen one of the twelve major feudal states. Guiman passed away in the State of Chen and was buried here. King Wu of Zhou granted him the surname Chen based on the state he ruled, hence he became known as Duke Hu of Chen. Naturally, Duke Hu of Chen is the progenitor of the Chen surname, which explains the origin of the Chen family name.

During the time of Duke Hu of Chen’s death, it was an era when tombs had no mounds, but for kings, nobles, and meritorious civil and military officials, memorial halls could be built atop the tombs. Therefore, the burial chamber of Duke Hu of Chen was constructed underground, while the memorial hall above ground no longer exists. Archaeologists have discovered pottery shards from the Western Zhou Dynasty and roof tiles from the Warring States Period here, confirming the architectural features of the original tomb and memorial hall. The Ming Dynasty scholar Wang Liangchen wrote in a poem: “A cleverly cast iron coffin lies hidden beneath the water, its radiant legacy shining upon the world.” Historical records indicate that Hu’s Tomb was cast in iron, hence it is also called the Iron Tomb of Duke Hu of Chen. The current tomb was rebuilt in 1995 by the renowned Singaporean entrepreneur Mr. Chen Yonghe, who funded the restoration on the original tomb mound. It is constructed with grayish-brown bricks that give it the appearance of iron.

The descendants of Duke Hu of Chen are numerous, numbering over 80 million, spread across the world. To this day, spanning more than 3,000 years and over 120 generations, especially in Fujian and Taiwan, there is a saying that “Chens and Lins make up half the world,” making the Chen clan a truly illustrious and vast lineage. The global Chen family shares a common belief: “The Chens are spread across the world, but Huaiyang is our ancestral home; of the 80 million Chens, all trace their origins to Duke Hu.” An inscription on the stone memorial archway reads: “From the lofty Mount Wanqiu, the sacred achievements of the Duke endure through the ages; the Chen lineage flourishes, its descendants spreading across the five continents.” As a result, an increasing number of Chen descendants from around the world come to seek their roots and pay homage to their ancestors. Notable figures such as Singapore’s Chen Yonghe and Thailand’s Chen Shao-yang, chairman of the Thai Chen Clan Association, have led large ancestral worship delegations to Huaiyang to seek their roots, donate funds, and present flags as tokens of sincerity. When the president of the Macau Chen Clan Association, Chen Nianshun, led clan members and representatives of Yingchuan School to Huaiyang for an ancestral pilgrimage, he also established a sister-school relationship with Huaiyang Middle School. As for the Chen ancestors worshipped in places like Xinzheng, Gushi in Henan, Shunde in Guangdong, and Xiamen in Fujian, they are the founding ancestors of the local Chen branches.

In front of the tomb stands a massive gravestone inscribed by Chen Tianran, a contemporary Chinese calligrapher and descendant of Duke Hu. The plaques on both sides are donation tablets.

To better welcome Chen descendants and dignitaries from around the world seeking their roots, as well as visitors from all directions for sightseeing, the local government has formulated a comprehensive plan for the full restoration of the Tomb of Duke Hu of Chen. Currently, the tomb complex covers an area of 58 mu, surrounded by water on three sides, with beautiful scenery. The planned structures within the park include: the First Ancestral Hall of the Chen Clan—Duke Hu of Chen Ancestral Hall, branch ancestral halls for various lineages, the Chen Clan Museum, Chen Clan Academy, Chen Clan Celebrity Garden, Chen Clan Stele Forest, and the Spirit Pagoda. With the support of the local government and the efforts of the Chen Clan descendants, the sacred path leading to Duke Hu of Chen’s tomb has been renovated, a new square has been built in front of the tomb, a grand stone memorial archway has been erected, and the elegantly designed Hall of Duke Hu is nearing completion. If esteemed Chen descendants and visionary individuals can contribute to the restoration of the Tomb of Duke Hu of Chen and help bring this project to fruition, this site will surely become a sacred place for Chen descendants to seek their roots and an ideal destination for visitors from all over the world.

Source: Huaiyang Government Website