Yu Ji’s Tomb is located in the eastern part of Lingbi County (Lingbi County is situated in Suzhou City). Adjacent to the tomb once stood the Yu Ji Temple, which housed statues of Xiang Yu and Yu Ji, both exquisitely crafted. Yu Ji is depicted with willow eyebrows and almond-shaped eyes, while Xiang Yu is portrayed with a commanding presence and a strong, fierce demeanor. Surrounding the statues, there are numerous stone carvings of poems and odes. During the Tang and Song dynasties, Lingbi served as a vital passage from the capital to the southeast regions, attracting scholars and poets who would visit Yu Ji’s Tomb in groups, compose poetry, and express their nostalgia for the past.
The garden contains an exhibition hall built with a brick and wood structure, featuring whitewashed walls, small windows, and grey tiles. The interior boasts intricately carved beams and columns, showcasing a clever design. The hall displays artifacts unearthed from Gaixia and Yu Ji’s Tomb, as well as historical records and poetic works. Scattered around the tomb garden are stone sculptures, some dating back to the Han dynasty, while others are from the Tang and Song periods. The style of the tomb-guarding beast carvings is strikingly similar to those found in front of Huo Qubing’s tomb, and even the bricks surrounding the stone tablets are adorned with Han dynasty patterns! Do not forget to observe the Han dynasty portrait paintings at the entrance of the exhibition hall, characterized by their simple yet elegant craftsmanship and concise lines, making them rare treasures of Han art. Inside the exhibition hall, there is a stone sculpture of a female figure that bears a striking resemblance to the ancient European Willendorf Venus sculptures! The tomb is open all year round from 10:00 to 17:00.
