Tomb of Fan Shichang in Mile City, Honghe
Overview
The Tomb of Fan Shichang (范世昌墓) is a designated cultural relic protection site located in Mile County (弥勒县), Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省), China. This historical site is situated approximately 1.5 kilometers east of Shanggaodian Village (上高甸村) in Gaodian Township (高甸乡). The tomb has a diameter of 6.5 meters and stands 3 meters tall.
Historical Background
Fan Shichang (范世昌) was born during the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty (清朝), passing away during the Jiaqing reign. He was an Azhai (阿哲) Yi ethnic minority and a former student at the Qing Imperial Academy. The tomb was constructed in the first year of the Xuantong era (宣统元年), specifically in 1909. It serves as a joint burial site for Fan Shichang and his wife.
Architectural Features
The design of the tomb features a stone enclosure with a soil mound, making it a typical couple’s joint burial tomb. The impressive size of the tomb—6.5 meters in diameter and 3 meters in height—conveys a sense of dignity and solemnity.
The tombstone follows an archway (牌坊) architectural style, which highlights the artistic techniques of the time. The stone carvings on the tombstone are intricate, measuring 2.5 meters in height and 5.9 meters in width. It features four pillars and three sections, with two of the middle pillars adorned with carved stone beasts, adding an artistic flair and an aura of mystery to the monument.
Cultural Significance
The historical significance of the Tomb of Fan Shichang was officially recognized when it was designated as a cultural relic protection site by Mile County in 1981. This recognition emphasizes the importance of preserving and inheriting this historical memory. The tomb is not only a resting place for an individual but also a testament to history, conveying the characteristics of the era and the story of Fan Shichang.
How to Get There
To reach the Tomb of Fan Shichang, you can follow these steps:
- By Car: Drive to Mile City (弥勒市) in Honghe Prefecture. From Mile City, head east toward Gaodian Township (高甸乡), then to Shanggaodian Village (上高甸村). The tomb is approximately 1.5 kilometers east of the village.
- Public Transport: Take a bus or taxi from Mile City to Gaodian Township and then ask for directions to Shanggaodian Village.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit is during the spring or autumn months when the weather is pleasant.
- Respectful Behavior: As this is a cultural and historical site, visitors should maintain respectful behavior while exploring the area.
- Photography: Take photographs to capture the beauty of the tomb and its surroundings, but be mindful of local customs regarding photography in sacred sites.
- Local Guides: Consider hiring a local guide to gain deeper insights into the history and significance of the site.
