Yue Fei Temple was built in 1221 during the Southern Song dynasty and is dedicated to General Yue Fei (1103-1142), a Southern Song military commander renowned for resisting Jurchen Jin invasions before being executed on false treason charges ordered by chancellor Qin Hui. The temple was constructed after Yue Fei's posthumous exoneration and honorable reburial in 1163. The main hall, Zhonglie Ci ("Hall of Loyalty"), holds a large seated statue of Yue Fei beneath a plaque reading "return my rivers and mountains," flanked by dioramas depicting his military campaigns. Behind the hall lie the tombs of Yue Fei and his son Yue Yun, set along a traditional stone tomb avenue lined with guardian statues of officials and animals. Facing the tomb are kneeling cast-iron statues of Qin Hui, his wife, and two collaborators, continuing a centuries-old practice of visitors expressing condemnation toward the officials blamed for Yue Fei's death. The complex has been rebuilt and expanded repeatedly through the Ming, Qing and 20th centuries, with the most recent major restoration in the 1980s following extensive damage during the Cultural Revolution.
| Admission | ¥25 (~$3.73); 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) |
| Address | 80 Beishan Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310007, China |
Why it matters
Yue Fei Temple commemorates a Southern Song general whose execution on false charges and later exoneration made him one of the most enduring symbols of loyalty and patriotism in Chinese history.
Location
80 Beishan Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310007, China
30.2565, 120.1330 View on map
Highlights
- Tomb of Southern Song general Yue Fei, executed in 1142 and posthumously exonerated
- Kneeling cast-iron statues of Qin Hui and collaborators facing the tomb
- Main hall statue beneath the plaque "return my rivers and mountains"
- Stone tomb avenue lined with traditional guardian statues
- Located directly on the north shore of West Lake
Tips for visiting
- Visit early morning to see the tomb avenue before large tour groups arrive
- Look for locals continuing the historic custom of scolding the Qin Hui statues
- Combine the visit with a walk along nearby Beishan Road beside West Lake
- The half-price discount for students and seniors requires ID at the ticket counter
- Free entry applies to visitors under 18 and active military with ID
Frequently asked questions
Is the temple English-friendly?
Bilingual signage covers the main hall and tomb, giving enough context for visitors without a guide.
How long does a visit take?
A full visit through the halls, tomb avenue, and museum exhibits takes about 1 hour.
Can children visit?
Yes, though the site's themes of execution and betrayal are best explained to younger children by an accompanying adult.