Tomb of Li Wenzhong

Introducing Li Wenzhong's Tomb

The Tomb of Li Wenzhong is located west of the Jiangwang Temple outside Taiping Gate at the northern foot of Zhongshan Mountain in Xuanwu District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province. It is the burial site of Li Wenzhong, the Prince of Qiyang, who was granted a burial in the early Ming Dynasty. Facing south, the Li Wenzhong Tomb is divided into three sections: front, middle, and back. The front section features a sacred path with a stone stele, two balusters, a stone horse, and two stone sheep, two stone tigers, and two each of military generals and civil officials. The middle section contains the remains of a hall for offering sacrifices. The back section houses the tomb, with a stele erected by Li Yongqin, Li Wenzhong's 18th-generation grandson, in the 22nd year of the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty (1896).

The stone carvings along the sacred path at Li Wenzhong's tomb are exquisitely carved, with flowing lines and lifelike expressions. However, they differ from those found at Ming Dynasty meritorious officials' tombs in several ways: First, the sacred path stele is not located on the central axis, but rather stands 20 meters east of the sacred path, facing west. The stele, consisting of the tablet, body, and tortoise shell, stands 8.6 meters tall. The tablet is carved with a cloud dragon pattern, but the inscription has largely weathered and eroded. Second, the stone horses on the west side are intact, with the horseman wearing court robes, a sash, and a crown. However, the stone horse on the east side is an unfinished prototype, 3.1 meters long and 2.3 meters high, and oriented 6 meters away from the sacred path, facing in the opposite direction, with its head east and tail west.

The unique stone carvings on the sacred path of Li Wenzhong's tomb are not recorded in historical records, leading to numerous speculations. One theory is that Li Wenzhong disagreed with Zhu Yuanzhang during his lifetime, and when he granted his burial, the emperor deliberately tilted the sacred path stele and omitted the stone horse as punishment. Another theory is that the stele was not completed due to financial constraints. Others believe that Li Wenzhong's mother was Zhu Yuanzhang's sister. The Zhu family was poor, and when Zhu Yuanzhang was born, his father, Zhu Wusi, abandoned him in the wilderness. Fortunately, his sister, who happened to be picking wild vegetables, heard his cries and brought him home, saving his life. Later, when Zhu Yuanzhang became emperor, he often praised his sister's kindness. Li Wenzhong made significant contributions to Zhu Yuanzhang's founding of the country. Could the great Ming Taizu, who defied his uncle for his nephew, forget his kindness and act impulsively? Moreover, the treasury was abundant in the early Ming Dynasty; surely there wasn't enough money to carve a single stone horse? These fascinating historical mysteries await expert interpretation.

Climate and best time to travel

With a subtropical monsoon climate, the tomb of Li Wenzhong provides valuable information for studying the funeral system, material culture, and spiritual culture of the Ming Dynasty. It is suitable for travel in all seasons.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Shinto stele; Shinto stone carvings; front gate of the Xiandian; Xiandian; tombs, etc.

It is recommended to play for about 1 hour.

Tickets

5 yuan/person

Attraction opening hours

9:00-17:00

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Most Popular FAQs for Tomb of Li Wenzhong

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

The Tomb of Li Wenzhong is the final resting place of Li Wenzhong, a prominent military figure in the late Ming Dynasty. Known for his contributions to the defense of Nanjing, the tomb is a testament to his legacy and a significant cultural and historical site in the city.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

The Tomb of Li Wenzhong is located in the southern part of Nanjing. You can reach it by taking a taxi or bus from downtown Nanjing. The site is also accessible by metro, with a short walk from the nearest station.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The tomb is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. The best times to visit are during the spring and autumn months when the weather is pleasant. To avoid crowds, visit early in the morning or during weekdays.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

Entrance fees are typically around 30 CNY for adults. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online through the official website for a more convenient experience.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Booking tickets in advance is recommended during peak tourist seasons or holidays, but it’s generally not required for regular visits. You can book tickets a few days ahead for convenience.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

A visit to the Tomb of Li Wenzhong typically takes around 1 to 2 hours, depending on how much time you spend exploring the tomb and surrounding areas.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

The main highlight is the tomb itself, along with the peaceful surrounding gardens. The tomb’s architecture and the inscriptions on the stones are also worth noting for history enthusiasts.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some guides may offer basic English explanations. Audio guides in Mandarin are also available for a self-guided experience.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

The best photography spots include the front of the tomb with its traditional architecture, and the surrounding garden areas, particularly during the golden hour. The tomb’s entrance and surrounding trees also offer great shots.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start by visiting the tomb and reading the inscriptions. Then, explore the nearby garden area and take some time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings before leaving the site.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Night visits and light shows are not available at this site, as it is primarily a historical and cultural destination focused on daytime visits.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The site can be crowded during weekends and public holidays. For a quieter experience, visit early in the morning on weekdays, particularly in the off-peak seasons of spring and autumn.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

The site has basic facilities including rest areas and toilets. There are no major food or drink vendors, so it’s recommended to bring your own water and snacks. Souvenir shops are also limited.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The tomb and garden areas are accessible, but visitors with mobility issues may find it challenging to explore the entire site due to uneven paths and stairs. There are some accessible paths, but it’s advisable to check ahead for any special accommodations.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cash is still accepted, but mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely available and preferred, particularly for purchasing tickets and souvenirs.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

There are no restaurants or cafes directly inside the tomb area. However, there are many local restaurants and cafes in the nearby city center of Nanjing, offering a variety of Chinese cuisine.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

While nearby restaurants offer mostly Chinese cuisine, vegetarian and vegan options are commonly available. Halal food can be found in some specific restaurants in Nanjing, but not necessarily near the tomb.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

There are several hotels near the tomb, including mid-range and budget options. You can find accommodations in the downtown Nanjing area for easy access to the tomb and other nearby attractions.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

Nearby attractions include the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge, Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, and Nanjing Museum. These sites are easily accessible and can be combined into a full day of sightseeing in Nanjing.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

There are few souvenir shops near the tomb, but Nanjing’s city center has many markets and shops selling traditional handicrafts, jade, and other local goods.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Didi are the most convenient options for continuing your journey. Public buses and metro are also available for further travel within Nanjing.