Yue Fei Temple, on the north shore of West Lake in Hangzhou's Xihu District, is a memorial complex dedicated to Yue Fei, a Southern Song dynasty general executed on false charges of treason in 1142 and later exonerated and honored as a national hero for resisting Jin invasions. The complex includes the Hall of Qi Heaven, which houses a large seated statue of Yue Fei beneath a plaque reading 'Return Our Rivers and Mountains,' and the adjacent tomb grounds, where Yue Fei and his son Yue Yun are buried side by side. In front of the tomb, iron statues of the officials blamed for orchestrating Yue Fei's death, including the chancellor Qin Hui and his wife, kneel in a traditional gesture of eternal punishment; visitors have historically spat on or struck the statues as an expression of contempt. Stone tablets and carved steles throughout the grounds record poems and inscriptions honoring Yue Fei across successive dynasties. A visit through the main hall, tomb grounds, and surrounding steles takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. The temple is quieter on weekday mornings and busiest on weekends and around Chinese historical remembrance days connected to Yue Fei's story. The courtyard in front of the Hall of Qi Heaven, framed by its carved gateway, is the best vantage point for photographing the main hall.
| Admission | Adult ¥25 (~$3.73) · Child Half price for students and seniors; free for minors under 18 and active military |
|---|---|
| Hours | 7:30 AM-5:30 PM (Oct 9-Jul 14); 7:30 AM-6:30 PM (Oct 1-Oct 8); 8:00 AM-6:00 PM (Jul 15-Sep 30, last entry 5:45 PM) |
| Typical visit | 1-1.5 hours |
| Best time | Weekday mornings for a quieter walk through the memorial halls and tomb grounds |
| Getting there | Bus 7, 807, or Y2 to Yuefen (Yue Fei Tomb) stop |
| Address | 80 Beishan Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310007, China |
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Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Zhejiang.
Location
80 Beishan Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310007, China
30.2565, 120.1330 View on map
Highlights
- Memorial hall to Song-dynasty general Yue Fei with a large seated statue
- Tomb of Yue Fei and his son Yue Yun
- Kneeling iron statues of the officials blamed for Yue Fei's execution
- Historic steles and poems honoring Yue Fei across dynasties
Tips for visiting
- Visit on a weekday morning for a quieter walk through the tomb grounds
- Read the English-language signage at the entrance for background on Yue Fei's story
- Allow time to read the steles and inscriptions, which add historical context
- Combine the visit with a walk along the nearby north shore of West Lake
When to visit
Weekday mornings offer the quietest walk through the tomb grounds and memorial halls.
Accessibility
The main courtyards and tomb grounds are paved and mostly flat, making them accessible to wheelchairs, though the Hall of Qi Heaven has a raised threshold at its entrance.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Yue Fei Temple take?
A visit through the main hall, tomb grounds, and steles takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Is Yue Fei Temple worth visiting with children?
It can be, particularly for children interested in history, though the themes of execution and betrayal are more suited to older children.
Is photography allowed at the temple?
Yes, photography is allowed throughout the outdoor courtyards and tomb grounds; some rules may apply inside the main hall.
Who is Yue Fei?
Yue Fei was a Southern Song dynasty general executed on false treason charges in 1142 and later honored as a national hero for his resistance against Jin invasions.