Tomb and Temple of Emperor Shun

Tomb and Temple of Emperor Shun

The Tomb and Temple of Emperor Shun is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction and a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Tomb and Temple of Emperor Shun

Tomb and Temple of Emperor Shun (listed in the sixth batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units)

Era: Yuan to Qing Dynasties

Address: South of Xiquma Village, Beixiang Town, Yanhu District, on Mingtiao Ridge

According to inscriptions on steles from the Ming and Qing dynasties within the temple documenting its renovation history, it was originally built during the Kaiyuan era of the Tang Dynasty, destroyed by war at the end of the Yuan Dynasty, rebuilt during the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty, and underwent multiple renovations in the 10th year of the Shunzhi era, the 35th year of the Kangxi era, the 6th year of the Yongzheng era, and the 8th year of the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty. The existing structures largely retain the original layout.

The Tomb of Emperor Shun faces south and covers an area of 27,000 square meters. It consists of three parts: the outer city, the mausoleum park, and the imperial city. Within the temple, the square brick tomb mound is the imperial tomb, standing 3 meters high with a circumference of 51 meters. On the front is a stone stele inscribed with “Tomb of Emperor Shun of Yu” written by Xing Qiren in the 39th year of the Wanli era (1611). In front of the tomb is embedded a stone tablet inscribed with “Tomb of the Yu Clan.” The offering hall is three bays wide and two bays deep, with open front and rear eaves. Four stone tablets inscribed with “Brief Account of the Tomb of Emperor Shun at Mingtiao” are embedded in the western gable wall. The rear section is the imperial city, where along the central axis are arranged a stage, offering hall, and main hall, flanked by side halls and bell and drum towers, all arranged in an orderly and rigorously structured layout.

There are seven extant stone steles from the Ming, Qing, and Republican periods recording temple renovations.

The Tomb of Emperor Shun in Yuncheng, Shanxi, is located at the western end of Mingtiao Ridge in Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province. In May 2006, it was designated as a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit by the State Council. It is divided into four main sections: Shun Emperor Avenue, Shun Emperor Square, Shun Emperor Park, and Shun Emperor Tomb and Temple. The tomb mound dates back to the time of Yu the Great, while the temple was first built in the 26th year of the Kaiyuan era of the Tang Dynasty (738 AD). The Shun Emperor Tomb covers an area of 1,778 mu, divided into scenic and tomb areas. North of the Ancient Cypress Square lies the tomb area. The tomb area faces south and is divided into three parts: the outer city, the mausoleum park, and the imperial city.

Address: Xiquma Village, Beixiang Town, Yanhu District, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province

Type: Mausoleum / Cemetery

Grade: AAAA

Recommended visiting time: 4–6 hours

Opening hours:

8:00-18:00

Ticket information:

Door price: 36.0 RMB

Xiquma Village: Located to the north of the Shun Emperor Tomb scenic area, Xiquma Village is traversed by Yunhong Road and is adjacent to the Yanhu District Cultural Industry Park, providing strong inherent conditions for the village’s economic development. This has helped absorb surplus rural labor, enabling villagers to find employment close to home.

The village has a total arable land area of 3,041 mu. Flat field roads greatly facilitate agricultural production. The natural conditions are favorable, with 15 deep wells mainly used for farmland irrigation, and 12 transformers. The dominant industries are wheat, cotton, and pear orchards. In 2010, the per capita net income was 5,050 RMB.

…… More detailed information about Xiquma Village ++

Further reading:

· Sixth batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units