Tomb of Du Wenxiu in Dali City
Overview
The Tomb of Du Wenxiu (Dàlǐ Dù Wénxiù Mù) is situated in Xiaduo Village (下兑村), Qiliqiao Township (七里桥乡), Dali City (大理市), Yunnan Province (云南省). Constructed in 1917 by Zhang Zhixun (张志勋), Du Wenxiu’s son-in-law, the tomb is notable for its rectangular side and near-square front, oriented north-south. It measures approximately 1.7 meters in length, 0.7 meters in width, and the tombstone stands about 0.4 meters tall and 0.3 meters wide. The top of the tomb features a stone-carved roof, with sides made of Dali linen stone (大理麻布石).
Key Information
- Chinese Name: 大理杜文秀墓
- Location: 云南省大理市七里桥乡下兑村
- Area: 1400 m²
- Protection Level: Yunnan Provincial Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit
- Year Established: 1917
Historical Background
In 1956, the Dali County People’s Government (大理县人民政府) renovated Du Wenxiu’s tomb, erecting a new tombstone inscribed with “杜文秀之墓” (“Tomb of Du Wenxiu”) in large characters, accompanied by smaller inscriptions stating, “原命生于道光癸未年十月初八日；大限卒于同治壬申年十一月廿六日.” This indicates that Du Wenxiu was born on October 8, 1823, and died on November 26, 1872, at the age of 49. During renovations from 1984 to 1985, the original tomb was encased in a square structure measuring 10 meters on each side and 1.5 meters high, topped with an Islamic-style domed roof made of bluestone, reaching a total height of 5.7 meters. The tombstone bears the inscription “总统兵马大元帅杜文秀墓” (“Tomb of President General Du Wenxiu”), and the rear features an Arabic inscription, with a preface and renovation record by Mr. Bai Shouyi (白寿彝) in front of the tomb. The site is enclosed by walls on the south, east, and west, covering an area of 1400 square meters. In January 1983, the tomb was designated as a second batch of key cultural relic protection units by the Yunnan Provincial Government (云南省人民政府).
Commemorative Significance
Du Wenxiu (杜文秀) was selected as “President General” by the Muslim community during the Taiping Rebellion (太平天国运动) in 1856, leading a multi-ethnic uprising against the Qing Dynasty (清朝) in western Yunnan. Under his leadership, the insurgents captured 53 cities in the region, implementing strict military discipline, agricultural development, and tax reductions while promoting ethnic unity. However, following the failure of the Taiping Rebellion, the Qing government concentrated its forces against Dali. To rescue the besieged city, Du Wenxiu commanded an army of 100,000 towards Kunming (昆明), but due to poor military strategy and increasing Qing reinforcements, they were forced to retreat. On November 26, 1872, facing imminent defeat and the threat of massacre for the civilians, Du Wenxiu and his family committed suicide, taking poison and ending his life at the age of 49. His 18-year leadership in the peasant uprising ultimately came to an end.
Architectural Features
The structure of Du Wenxiu’s tomb features a rectangular side and a nearly square front, oriented north-south. The tombstone stands about 0.4 meters tall and 0.3 meters wide. The roof is stone-carved, and the sides are constructed from Dali linen stone. The tomb was renovated by the Dali County People’s Government in 1956, and the tombstone inscription emphasizes Du Wenxiu’s legacy. During renovations from 1984 to 1985, the original tomb was encased in a 10-meter square, 1.5-meter-high tomb, further topped with an Islamic-style dome, bringing the total height to 5.7 meters. The tombstone bears the inscription “总统兵马大元帅杜文秀墓” (Tomb of President General Du Wenxiu), and there are additional inscriptions in Arabic and a historical record by Bai Shouyi.
Location
The Tomb of Du Wenxiu is located in Xiaduo Village, Qiliqiao Township, Dali City, Yunnan Province.
How to Get There
- By Car: From Dali City, drive to Qiliqiao Township. Follow local signs to Xiaduo Village, where the tomb is located.
- Public Transport: Buses run from Dali to various towns in Heqing County (鹤庆县), with local transport available to reach Xiaduo Village.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: The tomb is open year-round, but visiting during cooler months can provide a more pleasant experience.
- Respect the Site: As a cultural heritage site, maintain respectful behavior and avoid littering.
- Photography: Capture the beautiful surroundings, but ensure you are not disturbing any memorials or other visitors.
- Local Cuisine: Consider trying local Bai cuisine in nearby areas to enrich your cultural experience.
- Plan Ahead: Check local travel guides or websites for any updates on accessibility or potential events at the site.
Visiting the Tomb of Du Wenxiu offers a unique glimpse into the history and culture of the region, along with a deep respect for the legacy of a prominent historical figure.
