Tomb of Ma Chao

　　The Ma Chao Tomb in Mian County is the genuine burial site of Ma Chao, situated 3 kilometers west of the county town, adjacent to National Highway 108, in Jiguang Village, Wuhou Town. It lies approximately 1 kilometer from the Wuhou Temple and is a key cultural relic protection unit of Shaanxi Province. In previous years, it was used as Majia Temple Primary School.

　　Ma Chao was one of the Five Tiger Generals of Shu during the Three Kingdoms period, ranking third after Guan Yu and Zhang Fei. He was renowned for his martial prowess and was hailed as “the hero of the Three Kingdoms, Ma Chao.” After Liu Bei ascended to the throne, Ma Chao was promoted to General of Chariots and Cavalry and appointed Governor of Liangzhou, stationed at Yangping Pass (now the old city of Mian County). He passed away in Mian County in 222 AD and was buried here. In the fifth year of the Jianxing era (227), Zhuge Liang stationed troops at Yangping, setting up his administrative office and armory at Choubi Post (Wuhou Temple). “He personally visited the tomb to offer sacrifices and ordered his brother Ma Dai to observe mourning rituals.”

　　The tomb is rectangular in shape, originally built in the third year of the Zhangwu era (223) in the traditional Han-style pyramidal form. The surrounding area is flat, with farmland all around. The base of the tomb is 56 meters in circumference and 3 meters high. In front of the tomb stands a stone stele inscribed with “Tomb of Marquis Ma Chao, General Who Conquers the West of the Han.” Beside the road in front of the tomb is a “Viewing Stele.” Historical records indicate that the tomb complex once included buildings forming a long corridor from the “Viewing Stele” through the shrine to the tomb. Over time, the once majestic scene of towering pines and cypresses, connected pavilions, and a solemn, grand tomb has vanished. In 1935, during the construction of the Hanhui Canal, an iron sword was discovered outside the tomb’s passageway. Fearing hidden weapons might harm people, the site was subsequently sealed again.

　　The Ma Chao Tomb is bordered by Leifeng Mountain to the north and the Han River to the south, facing the Wuhou Tomb at the foot of Dingjun Mountain across the river. The tomb follows the Han-style pyramidal design, with a mound 8 meters high and a circumference of 90 meters. The Ma Chao Shrine currently features structures such as a mountain gate, main hall, and side rooms, all in the Qing Dynasty architectural style. The statue of Ma Chao in the main hall was created during the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty and depicts him as spirited and majestic. In front of the shrine stands a memorial stele inscribed with “Tomb of Ma Chao, General Who Conquers the West of the Han.” Inside the shrine, there is also a stone tablet erected by Feng Yuxiang, inscribed with the words: “A lifetime of heroic fame dedicated to Han; a legacy of sorrow for the hatred of Cao.” For centuries, it has enjoyed enduring fame and continuous worship, though it presents a different scene compared to the nearby Wuhou Temple.

　　In front of the Ma Chao Tomb lies Majia Shrine, which currently includes three main halls and a side hall. The main hall features a wooden plaque inscribed with “Han Mi Hou Shrine” and houses a clay statue of Ma Chao. The side hall contains three rooms with seven stone tablets, which are inscriptions documenting the various historical renovations of Majia Shrine. After the late Qing Dynasty, Majia Shrine fell into long-term disrepair. After the liberation, it was used as classrooms for Majia Shrine Primary School (now relocated). Currently, the shrine buildings are dilapidated and await renovation. In December 1983, the county government designated it as a county-level key cultural relic protection unit.