Tomb of Su Xiaoxiao
A serene tomb and pavilion dedicated to the legendary courtesan and poet Su Xiaoxiao, nestled by the tranquil West Lake.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Cool, pleasant weather
Tomb of Su Xiaoxiao
Best Time
Cool, pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene tomb and pavilion dedicated to the legendary courtesan and poet Su Xiaoxiao, nestled by the tranquil West Lake.
"A quiet and nice tomb, located near the lake of Su Xiaoxiao, a geisha in the Qiantang."
🚶♀️ Stroll by West Lake
Combine your visit with a walk around West Lake for beautiful scenery, especially lovely in winter.
📚 Learn Her Story
Research Su Xiaoxiao's life and poetry beforehand to appreciate the historical significance of the tomb.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mu Cai Pavilion
Tomb of Su Xiaoxiao
A delicate, hexagonal spire pavilion said to be built by a scholar Su Xiaoxiao once supported.
Su Xiaoxiao's Tomb
West Lake, Hangzhou
A quiet and beautifully maintained tomb dedicated to a renowned courtesan and poet.
West Lake Vicinity
Near Gushan Island Bridge
Enjoy the tranquil winter scenery of West Lake, with pleasant temperatures and bare, elegant trees.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Serenity
Contextualize the History
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Most Comprehensive Beginner’s Guide To Hangzhou (The One You Need)
🚶♀️ Stroll by West Lake
Combine your visit with a walk around West Lake for beautiful scenery, especially lovely in winter.
📚 Learn Her Story
Research Su Xiaoxiao's life and poetry beforehand to appreciate the historical significance of the tomb.
Hangzhou Tips
Two day Trip to Hangzhou Recs
🚗 Parking Nearby
Expect car traffic as there are restaurants and art galleries in the vicinity.
Hangzhou/Suzhou Tips and Tricks
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🚶♀️ Stroll by West Lake
Combine your visit with a walk around West Lake for beautiful scenery, especially lovely in winter.
📚 Learn Her Story
Research Su Xiaoxiao's life and poetry beforehand to appreciate the historical significance of the tomb.
🚗 Parking Nearby
Expect car traffic as there are restaurants and art galleries in the vicinity.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Tomb of Su Xiaoxiao to be a quiet and poignant historical site, particularly appreciated for its serene atmosphere near West Lake. The reconstructed tomb and pavilion offer a glimpse into the life of the famed courtesan, with many enjoying the peaceful winter scenery of the surrounding lake. While the site itself is modest, its historical and romantic associations add to its appeal.
"Beautiful West Lake with sad love stories including this tomb of courtesan Su XiaoXiao. She pass away at a young age of 19 loving someone whom is not destined forever."
mY PeTs Cats and Fishes
"This is a quiet and nice tomb, located near the lake of Su Xiaoxiao, a geisha in the Qiantang during the Qi Dynasty in the Southern Dynasties. She was beautiful and talented in poetry. There were many poems, novels and operas about Su Xiaoxiao in the past dynasties. The tomb is small and delicate, covered with a hexagonal spire pavilion, namedas "Mu Cai Pavilion", which is said to be built by Bao Ren, a scholar funded by Su Xiaoxiao."
Ed Chung
"Reconstructed tomb and pavilion to Su Xiaoxiao. At the foot of the bridge to Gushan Island."
J.Y. Zhang
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The tomb is located near the bridge leading to Gushan Island on West Lake. You can reach West Lake by public bus or taxi. Parking is available nearby but can be busy due to surrounding attractions.
It's situated in a well-known area of West Lake, making it relatively easy to locate, especially if you're exploring the island bridge vicinity.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, visiting the tomb area itself is free as it's part of the West Lake scenic area. However, specific pavilions or nearby attractions might have separate entry fees.
As it's an outdoor historical site within West Lake, it's typically accessible during daylight hours. It's best to check local listings for any specific pavilion hours.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the delicate Mu Cai Pavilion and the serene tomb itself. The surrounding West Lake scenery, especially in winter, offers beautiful backdrops.
Yes, photography is generally allowed in the outdoor areas around the tomb and pavilion. Be respectful of the historical site.
🎫 🏛️ History & Culture
Su Xiaoxiao was a famous courtesan and poet from the Qiantang region during the Qi Dynasty. She is remembered for her beauty, talent, and tragic love stories.
The hexagonal Mu Cai Pavilion is a reconstructed structure at the tomb, reportedly built by Bao Ren, a scholar who was financially supported by Su Xiaoxiao.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
Solo Travelers Seeking Reflection
Consider visiting during off-peak hours or in winter to fully immerse yourself in the reflective ambiance. Learning about Su Xiaoxiao's life beforehand can add depth to your visit, turning it into a more meaningful cultural experience.
History and Literature Enthusiasts
Take time to appreciate the Mu Cai Pavilion and the historical context of the site. Researching her life and the literary works inspired by her will greatly enrich your understanding and appreciation of this historical landmark.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Su Xiaoxiao
Her story has been immortalized in numerous poems, novels, and operas across dynasties, solidifying her place in Chinese literary and historical consciousness. The Mu Cai Pavilion, a delicate hexagonal structure, is a key feature of the tomb site, said to have been funded by Su Xiaoxiao herself for a scholar named Bao Ren. This detail adds another layer to her narrative, highlighting her patronage and influence.
Experiencing West Lake in Winter
The scenery transforms with bare trees creating elegant silhouettes against the sky. This quieter, more subdued atmosphere can enhance the reflective mood when visiting historical sites like Su Xiaoxiao's tomb. It’s a time when the natural beauty of the lake takes center stage, offering a peaceful contrast to the bustling city.
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