Yue Fei Temple, Hangzhou (must see)

Yue Fei Temple is a memorial site honoring Yue Fei, a famous general from the Southern Song dynasty. He lived from 1103 to 1142 and is known for leading battles to defend the Song state from invading forces. He was later wrongly executed, which made his story even more powerful in Chinese history. The temple was first built not long after his death and was rebuilt several times by later dynasties. Today, it is both a historical site and a place for quiet reflection.

The temple follows a clear and simple layout. Visitors enter through a main gate and walk straight through open courtyards toward the main hall. Inside, a statue shows Yue Fei wearing armor, standing tall and calm. Plaques and stone tablets around the hall describe his military work and praise his loyalty. The buildings use traditional materials like wood, stone, and dark roof tiles, keeping the design plain and easy to understand.

Behind the main hall is Yue Fei’s tomb area. A stone path leads to the burial site, lined with carved figures of guards and animals, which was common for respected officials. Nearby are iron statues of officials blamed for his death, shown kneeling as a sign of later judgment. Signs explain this part clearly, helping visitors understand why this event became so important in history.

The temple grounds are quiet, with trees providing shade along the paths. The space is easy to walk through, and the information panels are written in simple language. Visitors can learn about Yue Fei’s life and why he became a lasting symbol of loyalty, fairness, and personal integrity.