Tomb of National Preceptor Ma

Tomb of National Preceptor Ma

The Tomb of National Preceptor Ma is located at Chaoyang Ferry, just across the river from Lecheng Island. Before crossing the river, one is greeted by the imposing "Tomb of Ma Run Tong, the Imperial Preceptor Appointed by the Ming Dynasty." According to the Records of the National Preceptors: the preceptor’s name was Run Tong, courtesy name Zhongyu, originally from Maoling in Fufeng, a descendant of General Fubo of the Han Dynasty. His father, Yao Gong, along with his grandfather, Zhi Shan Gong, traveled from Jinling to take up the post of magistrate of Leihui... The preceptor was known for his philanthropy, teaching virtue, supporting the weak, and aiding the poor, which led to his appointment as Imperial Preceptor by the emperor. He passed away the year after receiving the title. By imperial decree, the renowned geomancer Chen Ya Chao accompanied the coffin to Hainan, seeking an auspicious burial site according to feng shui principles. In accordance with the sacred edict to “bury in the county if passing through a county, bury in the prefecture if passing through a prefecture,” the procession faced no obstacles along its path. He was ultimately laid to rest at the schoolyard near Chaoyang River Ferry in this county. Each year, the local magistrate presided over the tomb-sweeping ceremony, and the court bestowed a stele inscribed with the imperial decree: “All civil and military officials must dismount here.”

Upon entering the tomb grounds, one sees lush fruit trees heavy with ripe produce. A stele bearing the imperial decree “All civil and military officials must dismount here,” bestowed by the court, adds a solemn and dignified atmosphere to the entire site. Approaching the tomb, incense still burns in the censer. From time to time, descendants of the preceptor or other visitors offer incense in tribute during their visits.

Address:

At Chaoyang Ferry, just across the river from Lecheng Island, Qionghai City.