Li Shutong
Memorial is in the bosom of mountains, near Hupao Spring, a top tourist
attraction in Hangzhou. There used to be a Buddhist monastery on site
where Li Shutong practised Buddhism a Buddhist monk. Li was a famous
artist, patriot, and eminent monk in the 20th-century China.
Born in Pinghu County of Zhejiang province, Li Shutong (1880-1942)
had studied abroad in Japan. A great virtuoso of oil painting, music,
modern drama and calligraphy, Li taught at Liangzhe Normal College.
At the age of 39, Li suddenly gave up all his worldly concerns and
converted himself to Buddhism.
He took the tonsure in Hupao
Temple of the West Lake. His Buddhist name was Yanyin alias
Hongyi. Later he named himself Wanqing Old Man. After outbreak
of the War Against
Japanese Invasion, Master Hongyi called that
" Buddhists should never forget to love the country." His
appeal reverberated through China.
Li Shutong was one of the vanguards in ushering a new epoch in Chinese
contemporary culture. He took active part in performance of "civil
drama" (modern drama), and wrote songs to sing of beauty of the West
Lake. His students include some top men such as Feng Zhikai. His seal
cuttings and handwriting of Amitabha Buddhist Scripture are among
the best treasure in the vast artistic collection at the Xiling Seal
Society. The pagoda-shaped tomb of the Buddhist Master Hongyi stands
beside the Tiger Spring pond.
Administrative Office:
Qianjiang Office of Hangzhou Landscape
and Cultural Relics Bureau
Add:
No.31 Hupao Road, Hangzhou, China
Tel:
0086-571-87982498, 86591264
Fax:
0086-571-86086364
Post Code:
310008
Transport:
Bus No. 308 or 504
Management Committee of Hangzhou West Lake Scenic Area
Registration Numbe:2023025396号-1 Zhejiang Public Network Security:33010602012497