Tomb of Hai Rui

Overview
 

Location

Tomb of Hai Rui is situated in the western outskirts of Haikou City, 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) from the civic center. It represents people’s esteem towards Hai Rui, an upright and uncorrupted official. It was originally built in 1589 during the Ming Dynasty (1368 -1644), and some of the constructions in the tomb garden remain intact. With an area of over 4,000 square meters (4784 square yards), the layout was designed according to the level of the official titles at that time. Today it is rated as the Key Cultural Relic Preservation of Hainan Province.

Story about Hai Rui

Hai Rui (1514 - 1587), born in Hainan Province, was an official in the Ming Dynasty. He is famed as a statesman for his honesty and performance of his duty as well as his clean life. After his death, people chose the location in obedience to his spirit from ’heaven’.

The Visit to Tomb of Hai Rui

Going across the Hai Rui Bridge and entering the tomb garden, you will be greeted by the exuberant pines and coconut palms and sweet lotus, which make the garden tranquil and simple. Along the path stand stone statues of lions, goats and horses. Walking forward and stepping up three levels of stairs, you can see a stone tortoise carrying a stele on its back. 

Thirty meters (32.8 yards) farther still on the third level is the tomb area of Hai Rui. In front of it lies an incense burner which is also solemn. On each side stand four 4-meter-high (13-feet-high) monuments by Hai Rui’s disciples and colleagues. Behind those, are the four levels of stairs and the tomb of Hai Rui. 

Tomb of Hai Rui is surrounded by white granite. It is 3.3 meters (10.8 feet) high and faces to the west. The base of the tomb is octagonal with four carved stories. On these stories is a round ceiling made out of pieces of vesuvianites from Hainan Island.

A pavilion stands behind the tomb with two couplets by Hai Rui, both praising his honesty. Going to its back you will see the Qingfeng Pavilion displaying Hai Rui’s stories and relics, and you can understand why he has been respected by generations of people.

Features
Represents people’s esteem towards Hai Rui, an upright and uncorrupted official Exuberant pines, coconut palms and sweet lotus