Shen Congwen's Tomb

Shen Congwen's grave is on a hillside path fifteen to twenty minutes' walk from the old town, accessible via a trail that follows the river before ascending through woodland to a quiet clearing. The grave is simply made: a rough natural stone bearing the inscription Shen chose for himself, set in a small cleared space among trees and wildflowers. The location is fitting — close to the landscape he wrote about, away from the commercial old town that has grown up around his literary reputation.

The walk from the old town to the grave provides a different view of Fenghuang from the tourist circuit: the path passes working vegetable gardens, local houses, and the ordinary life of the town before entering the wooded hillside. The grave is usually peaceful except during major holidays. No entry fee; bring water as the path involves some climbing.

things to do sight
A story
Shen Congwen died in Beijing in 1988, aged 85, having spent the last four decades of his life in enforced silence. He was brought back to Fenghuang for burial, as he had wished. The gravestone inscription — words he chose himself — reads: "Not sad, not rejoicing, understanding, acknowledging the love that lies behind all things." His wife Zhang Zhaohe, who had been the inspiration for a famous series of love letters when they were young, is buried beside him.