The Tomb Cluster of the Zhen Family

The Tomb Cluster of the Zhen Family

The Zhen Family Tomb Cluster is a national key cultural relic protection unit.

Era: Eastern Han to Northern Dynasties

The Zhen Family Tomb Cluster is located southwest of Shicun Village, 12.5 kilometers west of Wuji County. On July 23, 1982, it was designated as a provincial-level key cultural relic protection unit by the People's Government of Hebei Province.

The Zhen Family Tomb Cluster was the burial ground for the prestigious Zhen family, an influential clan in the Hebei area during the Eastern Han to Northern and Southern Dynasties. In 1957, there were 26 earthen tomb mounds remaining above ground, but after land leveling and farming, only six survive today. In 1957, farmers unearthed the late Eastern Han tomb of Zhen Qian and the Northern Wei tomb of Zhen Kai while digging earth. Over a hundred artifacts were excavated, including bronze ware, celadon porcelain, and painted pottery figurines. These mainly featured terracotta and stone statues representing servants and attendants, as well as pottery buildings, pots, jars, chickens, and ducks. Rare items such as bronze mirrors, chariot and horse fittings, and jade belt hooks were also found. The various utensils were exquisitely crafted and lifelike. The excavated stone-arched gate (stone door), the land deed of Zhen Qian, and the epitaph of Zhen Kai are of significant reference value for studying the politics, economy, and culture of the Eastern Han to Northern and Southern Dynasties periods.

Members of the Zhen family held high-ranking official positions across generations. According to historical records and the epitaphs unearthed, figures such as Zhen Feng, Zhen Kan, Zhen Yun, Zhen Ju, Zhen Fu, Zhen Yi, Zhen Chen, Zhen Bei, Zhen Xiang, and Zhen Ti were all buried here.

The existence of the Zhen Family Tomb Cluster objectively confirms that Wuji is the ancestral home of the Zhen people and holds significant cultural relic value and historical importance.

In May 2013, it was announced by the State Council as part of the seventh batch of national key cultural relic protection units.

Further Reading:

· Second Batch of Provincial-Level Cultural Relic Protection Units in Hebei Province

· Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relic Protection Units