Stone Coffin of Chen Zuocai in Weishan County, Dali
Overview
The Stone Coffin of Chen Zuocai (陈佐才石棺) is located in Mingshi Village (盟石村), Miaojie Township (庙街乡), Weishan County (巍山县), Yunnan Province (云南省). It serves as the tomb of the patriotic elder and poet Chen Zuocai (陈佐才), dating back to the late Ming and early Qing Dynasties.
Structure and Dimensions
The stone coffin is carved from a massive boulder, measuring over 10 meters in length, 8 meters in height, and approximately 2 meters in width. The coffin is located at the front of the boulder and is covered with a stone lid, resembling a traditional wooden coffin.
Historical Inscriptions
Two steles stand in front of the boulder:
- Tombstone by Li Shiyang (李士扬): Inscribed in the 44th year of Qianlong (1779), titled “Tomb Inscription of the Loyal Scholar Chen.”
- Tombstone by Zhao Shuliang (赵叔良): Established in the 25th year of the Republic (1936), titled “Tomb Inscription of the Loyal Chen.”
On either side of the coffin, stone pens are erected with couplets inscribed by the local scholar Rao Zhi (饶着):
- Upper Couplet: “指地誓黄泉，溪流犹带南迁恨” (“Swearing by the earth to the Yellow Springs, the creek still carries southward regrets.”)
- Lower Couplet: “凿棺盟白石，墓木曾无北向枝” (“Carving the coffin with a vow on white stone, the tomb’s trees have never grown branches to the north.”)
To the right of the coffin is a stone pavilion, where another couplet is inscribed:
- Upper Couplet: “其生明臣其死明鬼” (“In life, a loyal minister; in death, a clear spirit.”)
- Lower Couplet: “不葬清土不戴清天” (“Not buried in clear soil, not wearing the clear sky.”)
The area around the coffin is covered with verses and writings praising Chen Zuocai.
Travel Tips
- How to Get There: The Stone Coffin is accessible by road from Dali (大理). Visitors can take a bus or drive to Weishan County and then to Miaojie Township. Local guides may be available to assist with transportation.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are ideal for pleasant weather and clearer views of the surrounding landscape.
- Local Etiquette: Visitors should be respectful of the site, as it holds cultural and historical significance. Avoid loud noises and littering.
Nearby Attractions
- Weishan Ancient Town (巍山古城): A well-preserved ancient town with rich history and architecture.
- Weibao Mountain (巍宝山): Known for its hiking trails and scenic beauty.
This site reflects the deep cultural heritage of Yunnan and the respect for its historical figures.
