Tomb of Fang Xiaoru

Introducing Fang Xiaoru's Tomb

Fang Xiaoru's tomb is located at the northeastern foothills of Yuhuatai in Nanjing's Yuhuatai District, facing east, south, west, and north. Following Fang Xiaoru's rehabilitation during the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty, Tang Xianzu rebuilt his tomb and a shrine. The tomb was ultimately preserved, and was later renovated by Li Hongzhang during his tenure as Governor-General of Liangjiang in the Qing Dynasty. It was rebuilt again during the Republic of China period. Although repairs were made throughout history, each of these repairs were subsequently destroyed by fire.

There are twelve calligraphy and painting steles on both sides of the sacred road in Fang Xiaoru's tomb, and twenty-six steles with inscriptions praising Fang Xiaoru from past dynasties, extending to the south side of the tomb.

In the 13th year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty (1585), Emperor Shenzong Zhu Yijun issued an edict commending numerous loyal ministers from the Jianwen Emperor's reign and erected a shrine to honor them in Nanjing. The first among them was Xu Da's eldest son, Xu Huizu (historical records show that when Zhu Di entered the capital, Xu Huizu refused to greet him at Xu Da's shrine and was ultimately imprisoned and died), followed by Fang Xiaoru. Thus, Fang Xiaoru's injustice was finally redressed.

After Fang Xiaoru was rehabilitated, the renowned dramatist Tang Xianzu, then serving as an official in Nanjing, the capital, located Fang Xiaoru's tomb beneath the Mumo Pavilion on Jubao Mountain and rebuilt his tomb and a shrine. Finally, Fang Xiaoru's tomb was preserved, preventing it from being lost in the dust of history.

Climate and best time to travel

The northern subtropical humid climate has four distinct seasons and abundant rainfall, making it suitable for travel in all seasons.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

At the northernmost end of the cemetery stands a memorial archway inscribed with the couplet, "Ten clans sacrificed their lives for the sake of loyalty, leaving only six. A handful of blood buried in the ground connects to the Xiaoling Mausoleum." The horizontal inscription, "The Righteousness of Heaven and Earth," was written by Han Guojun, then Governor of Jiangsu Province during the Nationalist government. South of the archway is the cemetery's sacred path, flanked by 12 calligraphy and painting tablets depicting the life story of the Ming Dynasty scholar, Doctor of Literature, and others, until his return to Yuhua. South of the sacred path is the tomb mound, which has a circular lower portion and a hemispherical upper portion. In front of the tomb stands a stele reading, "Tomb of Mr. Fang Zhengxue of the Ming Dynasty."

It is recommended to play for 2 hours.

Tickets

free

Attraction opening hours

Open all day

---

Most Popular FAQs for Tomb of Fang Xiaoru

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

The Tomb of Fang Xiaoru is a memorial dedicated to Fang Xiaoru, a renowned scholar during the Ming dynasty, who was executed for refusing to rewrite a decree by the emperor. The tomb reflects his importance in Chinese intellectual history.

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

The Tomb of Fang Xiaoru is located in the eastern part of Nanjing, Jiangsu. You can take a taxi or public bus from Nanjing city center. The nearest metro station is Xinjiekou Station, followed by a short taxi ride.

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 time to visit is during the spring or autumn months when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are fewer.

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

The entrance fee is typically around 30 CNY. Tickets can be purchased on-site, and there may be an option to buy tickets online during peak seasons.

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

It is not mandatory to book tickets in advance, but it's recommended during peak seasons like weekends or holidays. Booking a few days in advance is usually sufficient.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

It will take approximately 1-2 hours to fully explore the tomb and surrounding area, especially if you enjoy walking around and appreciating the historic architecture and nature.

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

The main highlight is the tomb itself, which includes traditional architectural elements. The peaceful park and the inscriptions on the tomb are also worth noting for those interested in Chinese calligraphy and history.

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

Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides in English may be available upon request, though it's advisable to check in advance.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

The best photography spots are near the tomb itself and the surrounding green spaces, particularly with the tomb's stone inscriptions as a backdrop. Early morning or late afternoon light provides the best conditions for photos.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start by visiting the tomb itself, then take a walk around the park, enjoying the traditional structures and tranquil setting. Conclude your visit by appreciating the detailed inscriptions and history surrounding the tomb.

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

Night visits or light shows are not available at the Tomb of Fang Xiaoru. However, during special events or cultural festivals, there might be temporary exhibitions or performances.

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

The tomb can get crowded on weekends and public holidays. For a quieter experience, visit during weekdays, particularly in the morning or late afternoon on non-peak days.

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

Basic facilities such as toilets and rest areas are available. There are no major restaurants or shops within the site, but you can find small vendors selling snacks and drinks nearby.

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

The site is relatively accessible for elderly and children, though some areas might require walking on uneven paths. Wheelchair access might be limited in certain parts of the park.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted. Cash is also accepted, but it’s recommended to use mobile payment methods for convenience.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

There are no major restaurants inside the tomb area, but nearby, you can find traditional Chinese restaurants offering local Nanjing cuisine, such as Nanjing salted duck.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian and vegan options are available at local restaurants in Nanjing. Halal food is also available, especially in the Muslim quarter of the city.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

There are several hotels in the nearby area, including mid-range options and luxury hotels such as the InterContinental Nanjing and Nanjing Marriott Hotel.

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

Nearby attractions include the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge, the Confucius Temple, and the Nanjing City Wall. These can all be easily combined in a day trip.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

There are small souvenir shops around the area selling local crafts, including calligraphy items, traditional Chinese paper cuttings, and souvenirs related to Fang Xiaoru's legacy.

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

After visiting the Tomb of Fang Xiaoru, taxis and buses are readily available for further travel. Nanjing Railway Station is about 20 minutes away by taxi, while other attractions can be easily accessed by public transport.