Tomb of Du Wenxiu in Dali City

The Tomb of Du Wenxiu (大理杜文秀墓) is located in Xiaduo Village (下兑村), Qiliqiao Township (七里桥乡), Dali City (大理市), Yunnan Province (云南省). Built in 1917 by Zhang Zhixun (张志勋), Du Wenxiu’s son-in-law, the tomb has a rectangular side and nearly square front, oriented north–south. It measures about 1.7 meters in length, 0.7 meters in width, and the tombstone is approximately 0.4 meters tall and 0.3 meters wide. The roof is stone-carved, and the sides are made from Dali linen stone (大理麻布石).

• Chinese Name: 大理杜文秀墓
• Location: Xiaduo Village, Qiliqiao Township, Dali City, Yunnan Province, China
• Area: 1,400 m²
• Protection Level: Yunnan Provincial Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit
• Year Established: 1917

Historical Background

In 1956, the Dali County People’s Government (大理县人民政府) renovated the tomb, installing a new tombstone inscribed with “杜文秀之墓” (“Tomb of Du Wenxiu”) in large characters, alongside smaller inscriptions detailing his birth on October 8, 1823, and death on November 26, 1872, at the age of 49.

During renovations between 1984 and 1985, the tomb was encased in a 10-meter square structure, 1.5 meters high, topped with an Islamic-style bluestone dome, bringing the total height to 5.7 meters. The front bears the inscription “总统兵马大元帅杜文秀墓” (“Tomb of President General Du Wenxiu”), while the rear features Arabic script. In front stands a preface and renovation record written by Bai Shouyi (白寿彝). The complex is enclosed by walls on three sides and covers 1,400 square meters.

In January 1983, it was listed among the second batch of Yunnan Provincial Key Cultural Relic Protection Units by the Yunnan Provincial Government (云南省人民政府).

Commemorative Significance

Du Wenxiu (杜文秀) was elected “President General” by the Muslim community during the Taiping Rebellion (太平天国运动) in 1856, leading a multi-ethnic uprising against the Qing Dynasty (清朝) in western Yunnan. His forces captured 53 cities, enforced strict discipline, developed agriculture, reduced taxes, and promoted ethnic unity.

In 1872, after a failed military campaign to relieve besieged Dali from Qing forces, Du Wenxiu, facing certain defeat and wishing to spare civilians from massacre, committed suicide by poison along with his family on November 26, at the age of 49. His leadership of the 18-year peasant uprising ended with his death.

Architectural Features

The tomb features a rectangular side and a nearly square front, oriented north–south. The stone-carved roof and Dali linen stone sides reflect local craftsmanship. Renovations in 1956 and 1984–1985 added the prominent Islamic-style dome and inscriptions, creating a blend of architectural and cultural symbolism. The front inscriptions honor Du Wenxiu’s military title, and the site contains Arabic text and historical records.

Location

The tomb is in Xiaduo Village (下兑村), Qiliqiao Township (七里桥乡), Dali City (大理市), Yunnan Province (云南省).

How to Get There

• By Car: Drive from Dali City to Qiliqiao Township and follow local signs to Xiaduo Village.
• By Public Transport: Take a bus from Dali to nearby towns in Heqing County (鹤庆县), then use local transport to reach Xiaduo Village.

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Year-round, with cooler months offering a more comfortable experience.
• Respect the Site: Maintain respectful conduct and avoid littering.
• Photography: Take photos without disturbing memorials or visitors.
• Local Cuisine: Try Bai ethnic dishes in nearby areas.
• Plan Ahead: Check local guides for updates on access or events.