——“The green hills are honored to hold loyal bones; white iron is wronged by casting traitors.”
Nestled at the foot of Qixia Hill on the northwest shore of West Lake, Yue Fei Temple (also known as Yuewang Temple) is a memorial temple and tomb dedicated to Yue Fei, the revered Southern Song dynasty general who heroically resisted the Jin invaders. Designated a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit in 1961, it became part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou” in 2011. More than a historic site, it stands as a powerful symbol of Chinese loyalty, righteousness, and patriotism.
📍Basic Information
Address: No. 80 Beishan Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou (opposite Quyuan Garden, near the northern end of Su Causeway)
Opening Hours: Daily, 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM)
Admission: ¥25 per person (free with Hangzhou Park Card; subject to change during holidays)
Recommended Visit Time: 1–1.5 hours
🌟Key Highlights
1.Hall of Loyalty and Valor – The Statue of Yue Fei
At the center of the main hall stands a 4.54-meter-tall polychrome statue of Yue Fei: wearing a general’s helmet and golden armor over a purple robe, his left hand resting on a sword, eyes fixed resolutely northward—toward his lost homeland.
Above him hangs a bold plaque inscribed with “Return My Rivers and Mountains” (Huan Wo He Shan), a famous line attributed to Yue Fei.
Pillars bear verses from his iconic poem Man Jiang Hong (“Full River Red”): “Thirty years of fame—dust and soil; Eight thousand miles under clouds and moon.”
Eight large murals along the walls vividly depict key moments in his life—from “Mother Tattooing ‘Loyalty’ on His Back” to his unjust execution at Fengbo Pavilion.
2.Yue Fei’s Tomb – Resting Place of a Hero
A solemn path lined with stone horses, tigers, rams, and human statues (Ming dynasty relics) leads to the burial grounds.
Two adjacent tombs:
Central: Tomb of Prince Yue of E (Yue Fei’s posthumous title)
Left: Tomb of Marquis Jizhong Yue Yun (Yue Fei’s eldest son, executed with him at age 23)
An inscription on the tomb gate reads: “Since ancient times, good and evil have been as incompatible as ice and charcoal; Today, truth and falsehood are clearly judged.”
3.The Kneeling Iron Traitors – Eternal Shame
Facing the tombs are four cast-iron figures on their knees, hands bound behind their backs—a permanent public condemnation:
Qin Hui (the chief conspirator)
Lady Wang (Qin’s wife, who urged Yue’s execution)
Moqi Xie (chief judge who fabricated charges)
Zhang Jun (a former general who betrayed Yue Fei)
The famous couplet nearby declares: “The green hills are honored to hold loyal bones; White iron is wronged by casting traitors.”
4.Qizhong Shrine & Yue Fei Memorial Hall
Exhibits include historical documents, calligraphy rubbings, replica weapons, and accounts of Yue Fei’s legendary discipline: “Freeze to death—but never tear down a roof for firewood; Starve to death—but never plunder civilians.”
Clarifies the origin of “Serve the Country with Utmost Loyalty” (Jing Zhong Bao Guo): Historically, Yue’s mother tattooed “Exhaust All Loyalty to Serve the Country” (Jin Zhong Bao Guo); the phrase evolved after Emperor Gaozong bestowed a banner reading “Utmost Loyalty” (Jing Zhong).
5.The Split Cypress & Golden Bell Pavilion
Split Cypress Tree: A cypress split in two since Ming times—symbolizing the people’s desire to “tear Qin Hui apart.”
Golden Bell Pavilion: Houses a fossilized cypress said to have withered in grief on the day Yue Fei was executed—now turned to stone, representing his undying spirit.
🚶Recommended Route
Main Gate → Hall of Loyalty and Valor → East Corridor (Qizhong Shrine / Memorial Hall) → West Corridor (shrines to Zhang Xian & Niu Gao) → Yue Fei’s Tomb → Kneeling Traitors → Split Cypress & Golden Bell Pavilion → Exit
✅ Best Experience: Visit early morning or on a weekday afternoon for a quiet, reflective atmosphere.
🚌Getting There
By Bus: Routes 7, 27, 507, or 510 to “Yuefen” (Yue Tomb) stop
By Metro: Line 3 to “Huanglong Cave” or Line 1 to “Longxiangqiao,” then transfer by bus/bike (~15 mins)
By Car: Small paid parking lot opposite the temple (¥10/hour; fills quickly on holidays)
Walking Connections:
Directly across: Quyuan Garden (one of West Lake’s Ten Scenic Spots)
10-minute walk to Su Causeway and Flower Harbor Park
Easily combined with Xiling Seal Art Society and Zhejiang Provincial Museum (Gushan Island route)
💡Practical Tips
📖 Prepare in advance: Read Man Jiang Hong or watch the film Full River Red (2023) for deeper context.
🙏 Respectful conduct: Do not touch or strike the kneeling statues (protected by barriers).
📸 Photography: No flash inside the main hall; soft morning light around the tomb creates a solemn mood.
👨👩👧 Family-friendly: Excellent for teaching children about traditional values—loyalty, filial piety, and justice. Exhibits include clear, illustrated panels.
Yue Fei Temple is small in size—but immense in spirit. With just one statue, two tombs, and four kneeling figures, it echoes a vow that has resonated for over 800 years:“Let me start anew—to reclaim our lost lands and pay homage to Heaven!” (Man Jiang Hong, Yue Fei)
Need excerpts from Yue Fei’s poetry, educational itineraries, or a combined West Lake cultural tour plan? Feel free to ask!
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