Tomb of Jiang Wei in Lushan

Tomb of Jiang Wei in Lushan

The Tomb of Jiang Wei in Lushan is a cultural relic protection unit of Sichuan Province.

Lushan County, anciently known as Qingyi, was part of the Hanjia Commandery during the Three Kingdoms period. Legend has it that Jiang Wei, while steadfastly defending the frontier, once built a city in Lushan, stationed troops, and set up defenses to resist the Qiang people. It is said that after Jiang Wei was killed by the rampaging forces of Cao Wei in Chengdu, he was further subjected to “death by dismemberment by five horses” and had his gallbladder cut out—but when they saw that Jiang Wei’s “gallbladder was as big as a dou (an ancient measuring vessel),” the enemy soldiers were terrified. Jiang Wei’s subordinates risked their lives to retrieve his gallbladder from Chengdu and bury it on Longwei Mountain to the east of the city. Hence, Jiang Wei’s tomb is also called the “Gallbladder Tomb.” The tomb mound is round, enclosed by strip stones, and in front of the tomb stands a stele inscribed with “Tomb of Jiang Wei, Marquis of Pingxiang, Grand General of Han.” In the County God Temple on North Street in Lushan County town, a statue of Jiang Wei’s sister has long been enshrined. Legend says that after Jiang Wei’s death, his sister came to Lushan and led the local people in continuing her brother’s unfinished mission. Lushan County still preserves the Jiangqing Tower, built in commemoration of Jiang Wei. This tower is a three-story hip-and-gable roof structure, standing 14 meters tall with a majestic appearance, and was rebuilt in 1445.

Inside the Jianghou Shrine, north of Jiangqing Tower, the Lushan County Museum erected a tall statue of Jiang Wei. After the completion of the Jiang Wei statue, the museum organized a Jiang Wei temple fair in 1993. That fair prominently featured the unique Nuo mask performances of the Lushan region. Among the local folk activities commemorating Jiang Wei, there is an interesting game called “Hugging Goose Eggs.” In this game, one person lies on the ground with many stones hugged under their abdomen, constantly spinning and dodging to protect the stones. Those trying to grab the stones aim to take as many as possible from under the lying person to win. It is said to be an ancient form of entertainment of the Qiang people, and is used here as a tribute to Jiang Wei, who was of Qiang descent. According to Guo Fengwu, curator of the Lushan County Museum, the 15th day of the eighth lunar month each year is the death anniversary of Jiang Wei. On this day, locals go to Jiangqing Tower to participate in memorial activities. This event is also called the Colorful Tower Festival or the Sacrificial Altar Gathering. On this day, 48 colorful towers are erected across the town, and drum music is played in honor of the achievements of Lord Jiang.