Tomb of Wu Qijun

Tomb of Wu Qijun

The Tomb of Wu Qijun is a cultural tourism attraction.

Wu Qijun was known as a high-ranking official who "served across half the empire." In the 25th year of the Daoguang reign, he was transferred from his post as governor of Fujian to become governor of Shanxi, concurrently serving as the Salt Commissioner. Later, he requested sick leave and returned to his hometown, Gushi. He passed away in the 26th year of the Daoguang reign (January 27, 1847) at the age of 58. The Daoguang Emperor issued an imperial edict bestowing posthumous honors, funeral rites, and burial grants. According to the "Draft Biographies of Qing Figures": "On the 19th day of the 12th month in the 26th year of the Daoguang reign, an imperial edict was issued: Wu Qijun, Governor of Shanxi, entered the Hanlin Academy and served in the Southern Study Hall. He rose to the rank of senior vice minister, was later appointed governor, and was known for his excellence in scholarship, integrity, and diligence in handling affairs. Now that he has suddenly passed away, the court deeply mourns his loss. It is hereby ordered to bestow special grace, confer the title of Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, grant funeral and burial benefits according to the precedent for governors, and subsequently arrange for a state-sponsored memorial ceremony and burial..."

When the cemetery was first built, it covered an area of five acres, surrounded by walls, stele forests, stone archways, ceremonial halls, and stone sculptures such as stone figures and horses arranged in front of the tomb, with dedicated personnel guarding the site. After years of war and repeated damage, only the tomb mound remains today, standing 2 meters tall with a diameter of 4.5 meters.

Administrative Location

Dapu Village, Wangpeng Town, Gushi County

Geographical Location

115°38′8″ East, 32°9′20″ North

Wu Qijun, a Qing Dynasty botanist (1789–1847). His courtesy names were Yuezhai, as well as Jishen and Jilan. He was a native of Gushi County, Henan Province. He was the top scholar in the 22nd year of the Jiaqing reign. He successively held positions including compiler at the Hanlin Academy, educational commissioner of Jiangxi and Hubei, assistant minister of the Ministry of War, and eventually served as governor or provincial governor of Hunan, Hubei, Yunnan, Guizhou, Fujian, and Shanxi. During his travels across various regions, he had a deep passion for botany. Wherever he went, he would collect specimens, draw illustrations, and cultivate wild plants in his garden. Over seven years, he compiled his field observations and firsthand experiences into the book "Illustrated Examination of Plant Names and Realities," consisting of 38 volumes. His... More details about Wu Qijun++

Wangpeng Town: a township under the jurisdiction of Gushi County. Established as the Wangpeng District in 1951, it became a township in 1956, a management battalion in 1958, a commune in 1959, and reverted to a township in 1983. Located southwest of the county seat, it is 10 kilometers from the county government. Covering an area of 144 square kilometers with a population of 55,000, it is traversed by the Huaishang Highway. It administers 25 village committees: Xinjian, Songlou, Xinji Street, Sanjiao, Maoxue, Yanzhai, Guogang, Lianshan, Dapi, Dengdamiào, Caizhai, Xiaohuji, Chenzhai, Huangjiagang, Songji, Luotang, Xiaogang, Datang, Ye'gang, Quhe, Changgangji, Donglou, Xinwu, Hougang, and Laohuji. Industry... More details about Wangpeng Town++

Further Reading:

·Second Batch of Major Historical and Cultural Sites Protected at the Provincial Level in Henan Province