Tomb of Shen Congwen

Tomb of Shen Congwen

The Tomb of Shen Congwen is a cultural relic protection unit of Hunan Province.

The Tomb of Shen Congwen is located on Tingtao Mountain by the Tuojiang River, originally named "Dumu Garden." About 1.5 kilometers east from the Hongqiao Bridge, you’ll reach the farmhouse cruise dock. After walking roughly one kilometer, you’ll see a colorful stone inscribed with five bold characters: “Tomb of Shen Congwen.” The esteemed elder rests here peacefully. In front of his grave are two plum blossom trees, and Shen Congwen himself keeps watch over the tranquil town of Fenghuang. Inscribed on the colorful stone are Shen Congwen’s own words: “Reflect upon me, and you will understand ‘me’; reflect upon me, and you will know mankind.” The tomb is nestled against the mountain and by the water, in a serene setting. Often, many fresh flowers are placed in front of the grave, signifying that visitors have come to pay their respects. At the foot of the mountain is Taoshan Bookstore, which sells Shen Congwen’s works as well as postcards. You can get a souvenir stamp there.

Suggested Duration

1–2 hours

Transportation

Travel downstream along the Tuojiang River for about 1.5 kilometers to Tingtao Mountain. Then, take the right path up the mountain steps to see a stone tablet—you’ll have arrived at the Tomb of Shen Congwen.

Admission Fee

No admission fee

Opening Hours

Open all day

Location

Tingtao Mountain by the Tuojiang River in the ancient town of Fenghuang, Fenghuang County, Hunan Province

Shen Congwen (1902–1988), a renowned Chinese writer, was born Shen Yuehuan and used the pen names Xiuyunyun, Jiachen, Shangguan Bi, and Xuanruo, among others. His childhood name was Maolin, and his courtesy name was Chongwen. A native of Fenghuang County, Hunan, he had Miao heritage through his grandmother Liu, Tujia heritage through his mother Huang Suying, and Han heritage through his grandfather Shen Hongfu. Thus, Shen Congwen could be considered a member of any of these three ethnic groups, but he personally felt a stronger connection to the Miao people, often depicting Miao customs in his literary works.

Shen Congwen was a writer and researcher of historical relics. At the age of 14, he joined the military and wandered through Hunan and Sichuan... More detailed information about Shen Congwen++

Further Reading:

· Eighth Batch of Cultural Relic Protection Units of Hunan Province