Yuefei Mausoleum in Hangzhou

Yuefei Mausoleum in Hangzhou

Yuefei Mausoleum Facts

Located at the southern foot of Qixia Hill near the West Lake and occupying an area of 1.57 hectares (3.9 acres), the Tomb of General Yue Fei, also known as Yue Fei Temple, was built in memory of this great hero.

Chinese Name: 岳飞墓

Type: Tomb of Famous Historical Figures

Address: 80 Beishan Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China

Best Seasons: All year round; Spring and autumn best.

Recommended Visiting Hours: about 2-3 hours

Opening Hours: 7:30-17:30

Ticket: CNY 25; CNY 12.5 for children from 1.2 to 1.5 meters (3.9-4.9 feet);
Free for children below 1.2 meters.

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Why is Yuefei Mausoleum in Hangzhou So Special?

  1. General Yuefei Mausoleum or commonly known in Chinese as Yuewang Temple is a temple built in honor of Yue Fei, a general of the Southern Song dynasty during the Jurchen invasions when the capital of China was in Hangzhou. The Mausoleum of General Yue Fei was nestled in Yue Fei’s temple at the south foot of Xixia Mountain of Hangzhou City.

  2. The temple was first constructed during the Song Dynasty in 1221 to commemorate Yue Fei. The site includes Yue Fei’s Temple, Loyalty Temple and Yue Fei’s Mausoleum inside. The temple was reconstructed several times in later date. The tombs and the tomb sculptures in the temple all dates from the 12th century, and have been meticulously restored.

Brief Introduction of Yuefei Mausoleum

Located on the northwest corner of the West Lake, Yue Fei Mausoleum was first built in 1221 in memory of national hero General Yue Fei of Southern Song Dynasty. In the center of main hall is a statue of Yue Fei wearing armored robe. Above the statue hangs an inscription written ‘Recover Our Lost Territories’ in Yue’s own handwriting. His tomb is situated in the west of compound.

Story of Yue Fei

From its name, we know that the mausoleum, built in memory of a famous national hero, Yue Fei ((24 March 1103 – 27 January 1142)). Yue Fei was the chief military general of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127 – 1279) during the battle against the Jin Dynasty (1115 – 1234). He is best known for leading Southern Song forces in the wars in the 12th century between Southern Song and the Jurchen-ruled Jin dynasty in northern China before being put to death by the Southern Song government in 1142. A few treacherous court officials persecuted him to his death.

Since the existing Emperor did not dare to give him an honorable burial, it was not until Emperor Gaozong’s death and the succeeding Emperor, that charges against Yue Fei were dropped. After 21 years, Emperor Song Xiaozong (reigning from 1162 to 1189) ordered the exoneration of Yue Fei from the unwarranted crime and had his remains interred here.

Main Attractions of Yuefei Mausoleum

Entering the gate with double eaves of the Tomb of General Yue Fei, a patio with towering trees on both sides is found. The Shrine of Remembrance, the main hall, is right in the center. A sculpture of general Yue is set in the middle of the hall. He is in a colorful embroidered round cushion cover. Looking solemn and mighty, he has a sword in his hand and looks as if he is ready to protect his country. Over the sculpture is tablet in the original handwriting of Yue Fei, which states returning our territory and keeping it integrated. At the back of the hall are large pictures depicting his life stories. On the floor of the hall is a picture depicting 373 cranes. These cranes are the symbols of his integrity and faithful mind.

To the west of the main hall of Tomb of General Yue Fei is a yard. There are two corridors exhibiting poems written to commend Yue. Striding over the bridge in the middle of the yard, there are the tombs of Yue Fei and his son’s. The General Yue’s tomb is right in the center, and to its left is the tomb of his son Yue Yun who had been a competent assistant of his father on the battlefields. Stone horses, tigers, and sheep of the Ming Dynasty (1386 – 1644) decorate both sides of the enclosure. The Tomb of General Yue Fei, which had been destroyed several times, was rebuilt and possesses the features of the Song Dynasty. Facing the tomb are four iron sculptures,  including Qin Hui the chief plotter, in kneeling position. Concerning these sculptures, people wanted them to atone for their crime forever.

Recommended Tour Packages

Best Seasons to Visit Hangzhou

  • Many people in China believe that spring and autumn are the two best seasonsto visit Hangzhou, specially late March-May and September-mid November.
  • In these seasons, temperature is warm but not hot. Daytime temperature ranges from mid 10s to mid 20s centigrade, and night time temperature ranges from low 10s to low 20s.
  • Spring is the best season to visit the West Lakebecause all kinds of flowers are blossoming that time. In order: plum blossom, peach blossom, and cherry blossom.
  • Autumn is also very nice and my favorite because of the yellow and red leaves.
  • However, I suggest avoiding the last week of September and the first 2 weeks of October because that’s when the city becomes packed with tourists from the golden week holidays.

How to get to Yuefei Mausoleum From Hangzhou

Travel with ChinaDragonTours (top recommended)

If you want to get out of the traffic and hassle of navigation, you can book a private tour package that includes visiting, dining and transfer from us. Our local guide and driver will escort you to Yuefei Mausoleum in Hangzhou in the fastest and most convenient way and take care of all the details. You just have to focus on the visiting.

Independent Traveler

ake bus 7, 27, 51, 52 or 118, and get off at Yuemiao (Yue Fei Temple) Station.

Useful Travel Tips

  1. Avoid visiting during school holidays and Golden Week in October as there will be large numbers of local tourists.
  2. Accommodation
    There are hotels both inside and outside the scenic area. It’s close to West Lake. You can also choose to book a hotel near West Lake.
  3. Tel: +86 571 8799 6663

Nearby Attractions

Edited by Bella Ren/任新月

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