Tomb of Yu Chenglong

Tomb of Yu Chenglong

The Tomb of Yu Chenglong is a cultural relic protection unit of Shanxi Province.

The Tomb of Yu Chenglong is located in Hengquan Village, Yukou Town, Fangshan County, Lüliang City, Shanxi Province. It is the burial site of Yu Chenglong, an honest and upright official of the Qing Dynasty.

The tomb complex of Yu Chenglong faces west and has a square layout, covering an area of approximately 2,200 square meters. It is surrounded by a 2.5-meter-high blue brick fence adorned with floral patterns, and a granite memorial archway stands on the western side. The grave is located right in the center of the eastern part of the tomb complex, covering an area of about 50 square meters. At the front of the grave stands a dragon-headed imperial stele inscribed with the “Imperial Text of the Stele for Yu Chenglong, Who Held the Posts of Grand Guardian of the Heir Apparent, Minister of War, Associate Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, Governor-General of the Provinces of Jiangnan and Jiangxi, and Managed Grain Supply and River Patrol, Posthumously Honored as Qingduan,” which was personally written by Emperor Kangxi on March 15 of the 24th year of his reign. Twelve blue stone tablets stand on both sides. Over 100 ancient pine and elm trees surround the tomb complex.

In the 23rd year of Emperor Kangxi’s reign (1684), Yu Chenglong passed away. The Draft History of Qing · Biography of Yu Chenglong records: “At the time of his death, when generals, commanders, and subordinates came to pay their respects, they found only one set of plain silk robes in his chest and a few containers of salted beans by his bed. The people wept in mourning, and many made portraits of him for worship at home.” In the year following Yu Chenglong’s death, he was granted a burial site north of Yongning Prefecture (now south of Hengquan Village, Yukou Town, Fangshan County) by Emperor Kangxi, who also personally composed his epitaph. The imperial court posthumously awarded him the title of Grand Guardian of the Heir Apparent. Later, Emperor Kangxi also composed two sacrificial texts in his honor and inscribed the plaque “Noble Conduct and Pure Integrity.” A special fund from the national treasury was allocated for the construction of Yu Chenglong’s tomb. Inside the tomb, bowls were placed upside down over white lime and rosin — a highly unique burial practice. Later research suggests that the white lime symbolizes “a lifetime of integrity that will last forever,” the rosin signifies “fragrance that will endure for millennia,” and the porcelain bowls represent “an attempt to retain [the spirit].”

Hengquan Village: Hengquan Village is situated on both sides of National Highway 209, north of Hengquan Reservoir, and is 11 kilometers from the county seat, making transportation convenient. It is one of the larger administrative villages in Yukou Town. The village has 2,373 mu of arable land and a total population of 2,160, with about 60% aged between 20 and 60. There are 56 Party members, the per capita income is 1,230 yuan, 95% of households have running water, 98% have televisions, and 90% have access to telephones or mobile phones. Broadband internet covers the entire village. The local customs are simple and honest, with strong respect for the elderly and children, an emphasis on education, a beautiful environment, and suitability for living. Income comes from farming and working outside the village... More detailed information about Hengquan Village++