Who was Yue Fei and why is this temple important?

Yue Fei was a Song dynasty general, executed at 39 on framed treason charges, and remembered as one of China's great patriotic heroes and a symbol of loyalty to country. The complex holds his tomb, his son's tomb, and memorial halls. Understanding his story makes the visit far more meaningful than the modest ticket suggests.

What is the deal with the kneeling iron statues?

Four cast-iron figures of the officials who framed Yue Fei, including the notorious Qin Hui and his wife, kneel in eternal disgrace facing his tomb. Visitors have traditionally spat or cursed at them over the centuries. They are the site's most striking feature and a vivid lesson in how Chinese history judges betrayal.

How long does a visit take and what's nearby?

Thirty minutes covers the essentials, or about an hour if you read the steles and halls properly. The temple sits on West Lake's north shore right beside the Su Causeway entrance, so it pairs naturally with a lakeside walk or a stroll toward the Broken Bridge area afterward.

Yue Fei Temple & Tomb, Hangzhou: Map & Visitor's Guide (2026)

Tomb + memorial of Song dynasty patriot-general Yue Fei (1103-1142). Four iron kneeling statues of his accusers still face the tomb — visitors traditionally spit on them.

At a glance

What it is: Heritage Site
Also known as: 岳王庙 (Yuè Wáng Miào)
Opening hours: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Time needed: 45-60 min
Best time to visit: Combine with Su Causeway / Broken Bridge walk
Getting there: Metro to the door
English: Some English signage
Cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard
Entry: Walk-in — no booking
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi
Address: 80 Beishan Rd, West Lake N shore · 西湖北山街 80 号

See Yue Fei Temple & Tombtickets & tours

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Yue Fei Temple commemorates the Song dynasty general Yue Fei (1103-1142), executed at age 39 on framed treason charges. He is one of China's most-revered national heroes, the embodiment of loyalty to country. The complex (Southern Song foundation, Ming/Qing rebuilds) holds his tomb, the tomb of his son Yue Yun, the 'Loyalty to the Country' (尽忠报国) calligraphy hall, and most famously four cast-iron kneeling statues of the officials who framed him (Qin Hui, his wife Wang, and 2 others) facing his tomb in eternal disgrace — visitors traditionally spit on them. Ticket ¥25. 30 min visit minimum, 1 hour with full reading of the steles. Right next to Su Causeway entrance on West Lake's north shore — easy combination with a Su Causeway walk or boat ride.

Highlights

Iron kneeling statuesQin Hui + 3 traitors; spitting tradition
'Loyalty to Country' calligraphyYue Fei's mother's tattoo of 4 characters
Next to Su CausewayPair with West Lake's most famous walk

What Chinese travelers actually do here

Distilled from Chinese-language travel notes — the practical tips most English guides miss.

▸Read up on Yue Fei's story before you go; without the context the halls and tombs feel quiet and easily skipped.
▸The kneeling traitor statues are the emotional core; spend your time there rather than rushing the outer courtyards.
▸Slot this between a Su Causeway walk and the Broken Bridge; the entrance is steps from the causeway.
▸It's compact and rarely mobbed, making it a calm break from the busier West Lake shoreline.
▸Look for the four-character 'loyalty to country' calligraphy, tied to the legend of Yue Fei's mother.
▸Mornings are quietest; the site opens early, so it works as a first stop before the lakeside fills up.
▸Keep the spitting tradition respectful and discreet; it's a centuries-old ritual, not a photo gimmick.

Photos

What travelers say (3 reviews)

HistoryBuff·TripAdvisor·4/5

Song dynasty general framed and executed at 39. The 4 iron kneeling traitor statues are still spat on by visitors. Small but emotional.

2026-04-08

岳飞迷·Xiaohongshu·5/5

民族英雄岳王庙！门票 ¥25。'尽忠报国'墨宝 + 秦桧夫妇跪像。1 小时够，配苏堤散步完美。

2026-03-12

Tom B.·Google Maps·4/5

On West Lake's north shore, easy to combine with Su Causeway walk. Cultural depth that's hard to get from West Lake views alone.

2026-02-20

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Tomb of General Yue Fei — Yue Fei Temple, Hangzhou

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Frequently asked questions about Yue Fei Temple & Tomb

Who was Yue Fei and why is this temple important?: Yue Fei was a Song dynasty general, executed at 39 on framed treason charges, and remembered as one of China's great patriotic heroes and a symbol of loyalty to country. The complex holds his tomb, his son's tomb, and memorial halls. Understanding his story makes the visit far more meaningful than the modest ticket suggests.
What is the deal with the kneeling iron statues?: Four cast-iron figures of the officials who framed Yue Fei, including the notorious Qin Hui and his wife, kneel in eternal disgrace facing his tomb. Visitors have traditionally spat or cursed at them over the centuries. They are the site's most striking feature and a vivid lesson in how Chinese history judges betrayal.
How long does a visit take and what's nearby?: Thirty minutes covers the essentials, or about an hour if you read the steles and halls properly. The temple sits on West Lake's north shore right beside the Su Causeway entrance, so it pairs naturally with a lakeside walk or a stroll toward the Broken Bridge area afterward.