Tomb of Emperor Shaodi of the Song Dynasty

Tomb of Emperor Shaodi of the Song Dynasty

The Tomb of Emperor Shaodi of the Song Dynasty is a cultural heritage site protected by the Shenzhen municipal government.

The Tomb of Emperor Shaodi of the Song Dynasty is located about 500 meters west of the Tin Hau Temple in Chiwan, Nanshan, Shenzhen. It lies against Little Nan Mountain to the north and faces Lingdingyang Bay to the south, surrounded by lush trees and an air of solemnity. It is the only imperial tomb in Shenzhen and was among the first batch of cultural heritage sites protected by the city.

Flanking the inscription “Tomb of Emperor Shaodi of the Great Song, Auspicious Celebration” are a pair of couplets: “The descendants of the Yellow Emperor continue the Song lineage to this day; Chiwan builds an imperial tomb here.” Neat stone steps lead up the hill to the tomb. Inside the burial site, green grass and cypresses thrive amid lush foliage, creating a tranquil environment. The surroundings are verdant with grass and trees. To the west is a flower bed, next to which stands a four-pillared rest pavilion with yellow glazed tiles. On the east side of the tomb is a newly erected marble stele, one meter wide and over two meters tall, made of Quanzhou white stone. The inscription, written in seal script and carved in intaglio, has an ancient style and was penned by the renowned calligrapher Shang Chengzuo. The back of the stele bears eight bold characters: “A Hidden Dragon in Cliff Sea, An Extended Emperor in Chiwan,” written in strong strokes by another famous calligrapher, Qin Esheng. The sacrificial altar and platform in front of the tomb are paved with granite strips, featuring elegant designs and exquisite carvings. On both sides stand pairs of stone pillars topped with stone lions. The rear part of the tomb is enclosed by a yellow glazed wall, within which stand 12 granite pier columns, presenting a rather magnificent sight. To the west is a circular flower bed and a statue depicting Lu Xiufu carrying Emperor Shaodi on his back. The inscription on the right side describes the Battle of Yashan, which took place in the waters near Yamen in present-day Xinhui, Guangdong Province (now part of Jiangmen City), and the heroic death of Emperor Zhao Bing, who threw himself into the sea.

During the Southern Song Dynasty, when the Yuan army advanced south, the Song forces were defeated at Yamen in Xinhui. Left Prime Minister Lu Xiufu carried the young emperor, Zhao Bing, and jumped into the sea to sacrifice themselves for their country. In 1911, descendants of the Zhao family in Hong Kong repaired the tomb. It was discovered by stationed troops in Chiwan in 1963. In 1982, it was listed among the first batch of cultural heritage sites protected by Shenzhen. In 1984, the Shekou Tourism Company and the Zhao family in Hong Kong donated funds for the tomb’s renovation and expansion. A road was built leading directly to the tomb, and a new statue was added, depicting the national hero Lu Xiufu carrying the young emperor on his back. Zhao Bing stands upright, facing the vast sea with bright, determined eyes. His fearless, indomitable, and death-defying image adds a solemn and dignified aura to the tomb.

Visitors to the Tomb of Emperor Shaodi can gaze at the boundless blue waves of Lingdingyang Bay and overlook the panoramic view of Chiwan’s new port. Reflecting on the past and present often stirs a sense of responsibility — that the rise and fall of the nation concerns every individual. Recalling the rise and fall of the Song Dynasty and paying tribute to the loyal spirits of the patriotic soldiers of the Southern Song helps inspire a profound sense of patriotism among all ethnic groups in China.

In 1983, the Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government designated it as a cultural heritage protection site.