Location & Transportation

Qiu Jin Tomb sits on a quiet corner of West Lake, near Xilian Bridge on Gong Mountain (Solitary Hill) in Hangzhou’s Xicheng District. It’s easy to miss if you’re not looking for it—just a stone’s throw from Wusong’s Tomb (the legendary water-martial artist from Water Margin) and a short walk from the bustling Baogu Stone Tower. To get there, take Bus 1314 (yes, really!) or a taxi to Xiliang Bridge. If you’re already exploring West Lake, it’s a 10-minute stroll from Su Causeway or Bai Causeway.

Natural Scenery

The tomb is tucked into a peaceful grove of plump trees and bamboo, with West Lake’s shimmering waters as its backdrop. In spring, cherry blossoms frame the area, while winter brings a subtle charm with the nearby Meihua Yutao (Plum Blossom Islet). It’s less crowded than tourist hotspots like Lingering Pavilion, making it perfect for a quiet walk.

Cultural & Historical Significance

Qiu Jin Tomb honors Qiu Jin (1875–1907), a trailblazing feminist and revolutionary who fought for women’s rights and China’s independence. Her story? Think female Joan of Arc meets Chinese revolution. Executed at 31 for opposing the Qing Dynasty, her remains were secretly moved here in 1908 by friends. The current tomb, rebuilt in 1981, stands as a symbol of her legacy.

The square granite tomb (2m tall) is simple yet striking. Front and center: a stone tablet engraved with Sun Yat-sen’s praise, “Jin Guo Yingxiong” (“Heroine”). Flip the tablet, and you’ll find poems by Qiu’s friends, preserved from the original 1908 tomb. Inside the tomb, her bones rest in a jar with a砚台 (inkstone) carved with her final move here in 1981.

The Statue: A Badass Vibe

Dominating the tomb is a 2.7m white marble statue of Qiu Jin. She’s posed like a warrior—hair in a traditional bun, wearing Tang-style clothes, one hand on her sword, the other on her hip. Gaze follows her eyes, which seem to watch over West Lake. It’s equal parts graceful and fierce, a nod to her nickname “Jianhu Female Warrior” (she hailed from Shaoxing’s Jian Lake).

Practical Tips

  • Open daily, free entry.
  • No food stalls here, but there’s a small café near Xilian Bridge.
  • Bring bug spray in summer—the grove can get buzzy.
  • Guided tours aren’t common, but QR codes on signs share audio stories (Chinese only, though).

Why Visit?

This isn’t just a grave—it’s a window into China’s fight for modernity. Unlike crowded landmarks, Qiu Jin Tomb feels intimate. History buffs love the Revolutionary Era vibes, while photographers dig the statue’s drama against the lake. Bonus: It’s steps from Xiliang Seal Society, a historic arts group, if you want to pair culture with art.

Pro tip: Come early morning or late afternoon. The soft light makes the statue glow, and the crowds thin out. Pair it with a boat ride on West Lake for a full “heroine of the lake” experience.