Tomb of Yi Dun

Tomb of Yi Dun

The Tomb of Yi Dun is a cultural relic protection unit of Shanxi Province.

Tomb of Yi Dun

Tomb of Yi Dun (Third Batch Provincial-Level Protected Site)

Era: Spring and Autumn Period

Address: West of Wangliao Village, Niudu Town, Linyi County

Yi Dun, a native of the State of Lu during the Spring and Autumn Period, traveled far and wide in pursuit of wealth, and later settled in the land of Xunxia. During his lifetime, he engaged in animal husbandry and mulberry cultivation, as well as the salt industry, becoming a wealthy man as renowned as Fan Li. He was buried in Wangliao Village after his death.

The Tomb of Yi Dun is located at the western end of Wangliao Village, Niudu Township, Niudu County, Linyi, Shanxi Province. Though the cemetery is not large in scale, it has an ancient and solemn atmosphere. This is the burial site of the ancient magnate—Yi Dun. Since ancient times, there have been hundreds or even thousands of people wealthier than kings and princes, but this commoner merchant, Yi Dun, has been remembered and commemorated by generations of descendants. This is thought-provoking.

When did it evolve from a solitary ancient tomb to the cemetery we see today? There are neither historical records nor dedicated writings to verify this; only a stone stele erected in the 17th year of the Daoguang reign during the Qing Dynasty (1837) remains here. The stele is inscribed with “Record of the Reconstruction of the Tomb of Yi Dun, a Recluse of the Zhou Dynasty.”

The inscription describes Yi Dun as having been “the wealthiest man under heaven” in his lifetime, stating that “to the west he reached Sangquan, to the east he spanned the Salt Pond, and both the southern ridges and northern hills were under his possession.” “He either contributed urgently to public needs and military provisions, benefiting the nation from above; or showed compassion for orphans and the poor, aiding the people from below.”

Not far from here (about 40 kilometers) to the northeast, there is another stele, erected during the Xianfeng reign of the Qing Dynasty, which is a virtue stele established by villagers for an elderly woman. It contains these lines: “Some may not rejoice even when given a fortune, while others remember even the smallest favor bestowed upon them. Why? It depends on whether the giver’s heart is sincere or not. If sincere, they will not forget to repay the kindness.” “Bestow kindness without expectation, and repay kindness when aware of it. Accumulate good deeds and you will prosper in the future.” Perhaps this can enlighten people.

Yi Dun, a native of Linyi County, Shanxi Province, was a major industrial and commercial entrepreneur during the Warring States period. Originally, he was a poor scholar from the State of Lu during the Spring and Autumn Period. When struggling to make ends meet, he heard about Fan Li, who quickly became wealthy after abandoning officialdom to engage in business. So, he “went to seek his methods.” Fan Li told him: “If you wish to become rich quickly, raise female livestock.” Yi Dun traveled a long distance to the Western River (now the southern part of Shanxi), settled in Wangliao of Yishi, raised large numbers of cattle and sheep, and later also ventured into the salt trade. Within ten years, he became a magnate as renowned as Tao Gong.

Started with Animal Husbandry

The “Collected Explanations to Records of the Grand Historian” cites the “Sayings of the Kong Clan,” which states: Yi Dun was originally from the State of Lu, a poor and destitute… More detailed information about Yi Dun ++

Further Reading:

· Third Batch of Cultural Relic Protection Units of Shanxi Province