Zhalan Cemetery, Historical cemetery in Xicheng District, China
Zhalan Cemetery is a burial ground with numerous tombs that combine Western and Chinese artistic elements, from Latin inscriptions to Mandarin epitaphs. The grounds feature paved pathways and informational signs that guide visitors through the different sections.
The cemetery was founded during the Ming dynasty when Emperor Wanli authorized a burial ground for Jesuit missionary Matteo Ricci in 1610. This decision created a place where Chinese and Western presences came together.
The cemetery displays a blend of Chinese and Western traditions in its tombs, which belong to Jesuit missionaries. Visitors can observe today how these two worlds meet in the inscriptions and artistic forms.
The cemetery is easily accessible via Chegongzhuang subway station, and the grounds have well-maintained pathways for visitors. It is advisable to allow enough time to explore the many graves and their inscriptions thoroughly.
In the late 1970s, Deng Xiaoping personally ordered the reconstruction of Matteo Ricci's grave, showing how important this place was to Chinese history. This careful restoration made the grave a symbol of recognizing this cultural connection.
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