The Zong Ze Tomb is located at the northern foot of Jingxian Mountain on the eastern outskirts of Zhenjiang City, locally known as Zong Ze Mountain or Zong Family Cemetery. This is the burial site of Zong Ze, a famous general of the Northern Song Dynasty who resisted the Jurchens. Zong Ze (1059—1128), styled Rulin, was a native of Yiwu, Zhejiang. In the first year of Jingkang (1126), when the Jurchen troops invaded in large numbers, Zong Ze was appointed as the chief of the volunteer army in Hebei, and soon after, he became the deputy commander, leading his troops to successively capture thirty Jurchen camps.
In the second year of Jianyan (1128), in June, Zong Ze led a large army across the Yellow River to pursue the Jurchen troops, but was rejected by the surrender faction. He died of illness and frustration, exclaiming in his illness: ‘Cross the river, cross the river!’ After his death, the Song court posthumously honored him as Zhongjian. Yue Fei accompanied Zong Ze’s son, Zong Ying, to Zhenjiang, where they buried him with his wife in Jingxian Mountain. The Zong Ze Tomb is backed by the mountain and faces north, with a vast open space in front, surrounded by a serene and elegant environment. The tomb entrance faces the Yangtze River, and in front of the tomb stands a white marble stele engraved with ‘The Tomb of the Loyal and Simple Song Dynasty Minister Zong Ze.’ In front of the tomb path, there is a memorial arch with the inscription ‘The Great Song was supported by a single pillar in danger, the hero still called out three times when dying. ‘ The tomb is encircled by green hills on both sides, with lush trees providing shade, exuding a solemn and respectful atmosphere. Open all day from January 1st to December 31st.Zong Ze Tomb
The Zong Ze Tomb is located at the northern foot of Jingxian Mountain on the eastern outskirts of Zhenjiang City, […]
