Tomb of Cheng Zhaocai

Tomb of Cheng Zhaocai

The Tomb of Cheng Zhaocai is a cultural relic protection unit of Hebei Province.

The Cheng Zhaocai Memorial Hall was built to commemorate Cheng Zhaocai, the founder of Pingju opera. Located on South Street in Luannan County, it was constructed on December 20, 1989, covering an area of 7,026 square meters. The site consists of an antique-style gatehouse, a granite statue, the Theater Sage Hall, a tomb mound, tombstones, and a stele wall. It is a key cultural relic protection unit of Tangshan City. The memorial hall faces south, with the gatehouse featuring a traditional upturned-eave, bracket-set structure. It stands approximately [missing measurement], embodying a majestic and solemn atmosphere. On both sides of the entrance are couplets inscribed by distinguished local figures: “A Respected Figure in Theater History” and “An Enduring Legacy in Cultural Heritage,” reflecting the high regard held for Cheng Zhaocai and his contributions to culture.

Upon entering the gate, visitors are greeted by a 3.2-meter-tall granite statue of Cheng Zhaocai. He is dressed in a long robe, holding a book in his right hand while his left arm is folded behind his back, gazing thoughtfully into the distance. Along the inner side of the courtyard wall are colorful paintings depicting characters from Cheng Zhaocai’s representative Pingju works, such as "Flowers as Matchmakers," "Yang Sanjie Files a Lawsuit," and "Du Shiniang." The main structure of the memorial hall, the Theater Sage Hall, is centrally located. It spans five bays, with a front corridor. The golden plaque inscribed with “Theater Sage Hall” was calligraphed by Wei Yuandong and carved by Liu Guobin. Two pairs of couplets hang from the four bright red pillars.

One couplet, written in semi-cursive script, reads: “Pioneering the art, a simple melody rose to refined elegance; crafting plays that teach, a hundred works ushered in fresh cultural winds.” This couplet was collectively composed by the Luannan County Federation of Literary and Art Circles and calligraphed and carved by Xu Lidong.

The other couplet, in seal script, reads: “Foremost among performing artists, revered as the Sage of Theater; respected by all, honored as the Master of the Art.” This couplet was composed and calligraphed by Ge Heng of Luannan.

Inside the Theater Sage Hall, the walls are adorned with comic-strip style illustrations recounting the arduous journey of Cheng Zhaocai in founding Pingju opera, along with high praise for his contributions. The exhibits also introduce other pioneering artists who made significant contributions to the development of Pingju, including Ren Lianhui, Yue Mingzhu, Jin Juhua, Zhang Caiting, and Jin Kaifang. Display cabinets feature photographs of Cheng’s handwritten manuscripts, personal clothing, tools, and various editions of his plays.

To the north of the Theater Sage Hall lies Cheng Zhaocai’s tomb, which consists of three parts: the tomb mound, the tombstone, and the stele wall. The tomb mound is 1.3 meters high, surrounded by a white marble railing, and houses the ashes of Mr. Cheng. The tombstone in front stands 1.8 meters tall, inscribed with six golden characters reading “Tomb of Mr. Cheng Zhaocai.” Behind the tomb mound, the stele wall is inlaid with Cheng Zhaocai’s epitaph, engraved in clerical script on black marble. The text was composed by Xiao Bo and Zhu Yongyuan of Luannan County, and the calligraphy was done by Yang Yuping.

Cheng Zhaocai

(1874–1929), courtesy name Jiesan, stage name Donglaishun, was from Luan County, Hebei Province. At the age of 18, he began performing Lianhua Lao (a form of folk song and performance), later becoming a professional artist. In 1909, he formed the Qingchun Troupe in Tangshan with Yue Mingzhu, Yu Yubo, Yao Jisheng, and others. Drawing inspiration from Hebei Bangzi, Peking opera melodies, accompaniment styles, performance techniques, and role categories, he reformed Lianhua Lao and created Pingqiang Bangzi Opera (also known as Bengbeng Opera or Tangshan Laozi), laying the foundation for what would later become Pingju opera. Before 1908, he wrote scripts for costumed Lianhua Lao performances such as "Shi Wan Jin" and "Quan Ai Bao"... More details about Cheng Zhaocai ++

Further Reading:

· Fourth Batch of Cultural Relic Protection Units of Hebei Province