Tomb of Gao Lishi’s Regalia

　　City on Fengshaoling Hill in Caojiang Town. The burial site backs onto a high mountain and is flanked on both sides; in front lies the Jian River, flowing swiftly toward it. According to geomantic scholars, this site is considered an excellent feng shui location.

　　Gao Lishi (684–762), a famous eunuch of the Tang Dynasty, was a native of Gaozhou. In 698 AD, he entered the imperial palace and served under Empress Wu Zetian. During the reign of Emperor Xuanzong, he rose to the position of Director of the Inner Court, was granted the title of Duke of Bohai, and was additionally appointed as Grand General of the Imperial Cavalry, holding the official rank of Senior Third Grade. During the An Lushan Rebellion, he accompanied Emperor Xuanzong in his flight to Shu (modern Sichuan). In 760 AD, he was impeached by Li Fuguo and exiled to Wuzhou. In the first year of the Baoying era (762 AD), he was pardoned and allowed to return. On his way back, he was informed that both Emperor Xuanzong and Emperor Suzong had passed away. He only saw the imperial edicts left by the two late emperors, which plunged him into deep sorrow. He wept bitterly facing north and died of severe hemorrhaging at the age of 79. When Emperor Daizong ascended the throne, in recognition of Gao Lishi’s service to the late emperors, his official titles were posthumously restored, he was awarded the title of Grand Protector of Yangzhou, and in accordance with Emperor Xuanzong’s will, he was permitted to be buried near the Qianling Mausoleum.

　　The family of Gao Lishi in his hometown buried his regalia on Fengshaoling Hill on the outskirts of Gaozhou City, referring to it as the Tomb of Regalia. Locals, however, commonly call it the Eunuch’s Tomb.

　　There are many auxiliary structures around the Tomb of Regalia. Below and to the left of the tomb lies a temple built for worship, called “Leping Temple.” The Leping Temple has a single-courtyard structure and houses a statue of Gao Lishi for veneration. The plaque above the temple gate features a relief inscription: Leping Temple; on both sides of the entrance are a pair of relief couplets: “Prosperity and peace remain for people, plants, birds, and fish just as before; vast plains and lands hold cultural relics even more splendid than in those days.”

　　To get from Leping Temple to the Tomb of Regalia, one must cross a small stream about 10 meters wide, over which also passes an ancient post road. To facilitate pilgrims and family members visiting the tomb, a stone bridge called “Luoma Bridge” was built over the stream. At the bridgehead stands an imperial stele bestowed by the court, inscribed with the eight large characters: “All civil and military officials – dismount here.” It served as an official decree requiring all who crossed the bridge to dismount and walk on foot, demonstrating the special honor bestowed upon Gao Lishi by the imperial court.

　　The Tomb of Gao Lishi’s Regalia attracts many visitors with its unique tomb structure, beautiful natural surroundings, numerous cultural auxiliary sites, and the special social status of its occupant. It has become one of the area’s renowned tourist attractions and is designated as a municipal-level cultural heritage protection site.

　　Gao Lishi (684~762)　　Gao Lishi (684–762), originally named Feng Yuanyi, was a eunuch of the Tang Dynasty in ancient China. He once served as Grand General of the Imperial Cavalry and was granted the title of Duke of Qi. Gao Lishi entered the palace at a young age and was adopted by Gao Yanfu, after which he took his adoptive father’s surname. He assisted Emperor Xuanzong in quelling the rebellion of Empress Wei, thereby earning the deep trust of Emperor Xuanzong. He was known for his unwavering loyalty and was honored as “the most virtuous eunuch of all time.” In March of the first year of the Baoying era (762), upon learning of Emperor Li Longji’s (Emperor Xuanzong’s) passing, Gao Lishi wept bitterly while looking north, then died of a hemorrhage. He was posthumously awarded the title of Grand Protector of Yangzhou. Biography Early Life Gao Lishi, a native of Panyu, was surnamed Feng by birth. He was castrated at a young age and… More+