Statue of Li Deyu

Statue of Li Deyu

Li Deyu, a prime minister of the Tang Dynasty. Originally from Zhao County, Hebei Province today, he served as prime minister twice. In the second year of the Dazhong era (848 AD) during the reign of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, he was demoted to the position of Sima in Yazhou and arrived there the following January. In the fourth year of Dazhong (850 AD), he passed away in exile in January at the age of 63. After his death, he was posthumously honored as Grand Tutor and granted the title Duke of Wei. At that time, Yazhou was located in Qiongshan, Haikou. He once wrote the poem "Ascending the City of Yazhou": "Alone I climb the high tower gazing toward the imperial capital; / Though birds fly, it’s still a half-year’s journey. / The green hills seem to beg me to stay— / Coiling and looping round the prefectural town." It is said that descendants of Li Deyu settled in the Qiongshan area of Haikou. From the Sui to the Yuan dynasties, a total of 49 officials of prime ministerial rank were exiled to Hainan, with Li Deyu being a representative figure. His verse “Once gone, ten thousand li away; / No hope to return, though you may pray. / Where is Yazhou? / It's but the Gate of Hell one must brave,” has become symbolic of the mindset of exiled officials. During his exile on Hainan Island, Li Deyu resided in the ancient Yazhou prefectural seat of the Tang Dynasty, in what is now Qiongshan, Haikou. Despite his adverse circumstances, he continued to write, promote virtue, condemn vice, and actively spread Central Plains culture, making positive contributions to the cultural development of Hainan Island. He is commemorated as one of the “Five Worthies” at the Five Officials Temple in Haikou.

Address:

Sanya Tianya Haijiao Scenic Area, Tianya Town, Sanya City

Phone:

0898-88910131

Official Website: http://www.aitianya.cn

Opening Hours:

7:30-18:00

Admission

Ticket Price

1. Peak Season: 95 RMB for individual visitors, 50 RMB for discounted tickets.

2. Off-Season: 80 RMB for individual visitors, 50 RMB for discounted tickets (including a 5 RMB government price adjustment fund).

Discount Policies

1. Students, seniors aged 60–69, people with disabilities (with valid ID), and children between 1.2 m and 1.4 m in height can purchase tickets for 50 RMB during both peak and off seasons.

2. Active-duty military personnel, revolutionary disabled veterans, retired military personnel, and seniors aged 70 and above (inclusive) (with valid ID), as well as children under 1.2 m in height, can enter free of charge. Other individuals eligible for free admission are subject to relevant national, provincial, and municipal regulations.

Tips

1. Generally, the peak season refers to the period from October 1 to April 30 each year, while the off-season refers to the period from May 1 to September 30 each year.

2. June 1 of each year is designated as a Free Admission Day at the scenic area. Visitors holding valid local ID (household registration or ID card) can enter for free.