Tomb of Cao Gui in Mengzi City, Honghe
The Tomb of Cao Gui (曹士桂墓) is located in Mingjiu Village (鸣鹫村), Mingjiu Township (鸣鹫乡), Mengzi City (蒙自市). This tomb is constructed from bluestone and is a burial mound measuring 3 meters in diameter and 1.8 meters in height. The tombstone stands at 1.38 meters and was established in the 21st year of the Guangxu Era (光绪二十一年), which corresponds to 1895.
Overview of Cao Gui (曹士桂)
Cao Gui (曹士桂), who lived from 1800 to 1848, was known by his courtesy name Dan Nian (丹年) and his literary name Fu Tang (馥堂). He was recognized as a juren (举人) in the second year of the Daoguang Era (道光二年) and served as the county magistrate in places such as Guangchang (广昌) in Jiangxi Province (江西). In the 27th year of the Daoguang Era (道光二十七年), he was appointed to the position of Tongzhi (同知) in Lugang (鹿港) and Tamsui (淡水), Taiwan. He conducted extensive investigations into Taiwan’s mountainous areas, and his work titled “Diaries from the Bureaucratic Sea (宦海日记)” serves as an important resource for studying Taiwan’s historical geography and local customs. The tomb was designated as a cultural heritage site by the Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州) in 1983.
Cao Gui’s Bronze Statue (曹士桂铜像)
A bronze statue honoring Cao Gui (曹士桂), a notable figure from Mengzi City (蒙自市), was unveiled at the National Unity Square (民族团结广场) in Mingjiu Town (鸣鹫镇). The ceremony was attended by over 40 people, including local government officials and village representatives.
Cao Gui (曹士桂) was a native of Mingjiu Village (鸣鹫村), Mengzi City (蒙自市). He excelled academically, passing the xiucai (秀才) examination at the age of 18 and achieving the juren (举人) degree at 22, which marked the beginning of his bureaucratic career. In 1845, he was appointed as Tongzhi (理番同知) in Northern Taiwan (北路) (Lugang), and later became the principal of the Xuehai Academy (学海书院). He passed away in 1848 while in office at the age of 47. The local residents of Tamsui (淡水) honored him posthumously with the plaque titled “Tamsui’s Pure Breeze (淡水清风)”.
Cao Gui (曹士桂) was known for his diligence in governance and his love for poetry and literature, producing a significant body of written work during his tenure. One of his poems vividly describes the local conditions in Taiwan: “竹篱茅舍结村居，半饱薯芋半饱鱼，漫向台阳夸富庶，萧条满眼欲嘘欷！”
(“Bamboo fences and thatched cottages form the village dwellings, half-fed on taro and fish; casually boasting prosperity under the sun, yet desolation fills the eyes with sighs!”)
His work, “Diaries from the Bureaucratic Sea (宦海日记)”, chronicles his experiences and observations during his tenure in Taiwan from 1846 to 1847, reflecting the social conditions, natural scenery, and local customs of the time. It is infused with sentiments of patriotism and aspirations for the development of the island.
Today, the “Diaries from the Bureaucratic Sea (宦海日记)” is preserved at the Yunnan Provincial Museum (云南省博物馆) and stands as a primary source documenting the political, economic, and cultural landscape of late Qing Dynasty Taiwan, holding significant historical and literary value. It has become a testament to the historical connections between Yunnan and Taiwan.
How to Get There
- By Air: Fly into Kunming Changshui International Airport (昆明长水国际机场), then take a connecting flight to Honghe (红河) or travel by road.
- By Train: Take a train from Kunming (昆明) to Mengzi (蒙自), followed by a local taxi to Mingjiu Village (鸣鹫村).
- By Bus: Regular bus services operate between major cities and Mengzi City (蒙自市), providing convenient access to the area.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: October to April offers the best weather for exploration.
- Respect Local Customs: Be mindful of cultural practices when visiting historical sites.
- Guided Tours: Consider taking guided tours for deeper insights into Cao Gui’s life and contributions.
- Photography: Capture the beauty of the surroundings and the tomb, but follow any rules regarding photography.
- Local Cuisine: Don’t miss trying local dishes in Mengzi to enhance your travel experience.
