Tomb of Jiao Fang

Tomb of Jiao Fang

The Tomb of Jiao Fang is a cultural heritage protection unit of Henan Province.

The Tomb of Jiao Fang is a large-scale imperial-style cemetery from the mid-Ming Dynasty, located in Jiaofen Village, Caiyuan Administrative Village, Jialou Township, Biyang County. In 2006, it was designated as part of the fourth batch of cultural heritage protection units by the Henan Provincial People's Government. According to the Jiao Family Genealogy, today’s Jiaofen Village developed from where the tomb guards settled. The tomb faces south with a small hill at its back, flanked by two mounds on the east and west sides. Below the mounds, a stream flows into Liang River in a V-shape along the edge of the burial ground, creating an elegant environment. The entire burial complex spans 165,000 square meters—twice the size of the Lu Jianwang Tomb in Xinxiang—and its layout follows the architectural standards of royal tombs. The site can be roughly divided into three parts: The first is the spirit way, extending from the stone ceremonial statues at the front to the main gate of the tomb. The second is the main body, from the main gate to the front of the tomb area. Some structures here have been damaged, but based on discovered remains, the main gate is believed to have been a three-bay palace-style entrance, with a river in front (now mostly gone, only about 20 meters remain on the eastern side). Behind the gate, the main buildings have vanished, leaving only the foundation of the western side hall. Symmetrical to it was the foundation of the eastern side hall, which has since been occupied by local residential land. The third part is the tomb area itself, where 12 identifiable Ming Dynasty tombs remain, including those of Jiao Fang, his father, and his son—all well-preserved. The site also houses a large number of steles that serve as historical testimonies to the tomb’s legacy. Overall, the cemetery is grand in scale, and much of its original architectural layout is still intact.

The cemetery originally had bluestone walls, along with a southern gate and eastern and western gates. Along the central axis were the offering hall and side halls, with the Jiao family tombs situated behind the offering hall. Stone sculptures stood on both sides of the southern gate.

The stone sculpture group is arranged in two parallel rows facing each other from south to north, with 40 meters between the rows and 10 meters between individual statues. Eleven stone figures remain, including civil and military officials, stone sheep, horses, tigers, and elephants, all of which have suffered varying degrees of damage.

Further reading:

· Fourth Batch of Henan Provincial Cultural Heritage Protection Units