神功圣德碑亭

Mystery shrouds the Shengongshengde Stele Pavilion. It stands within the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, a place of reverence and history. Built in 1413, during the Yongle era, the pavilion, also known as Sifangcheng (Square City), has a unique square shape. Each side boasts an arched gateway. Inside resides the “Great Ming Xiaoling Shengongshengde Stele”. This impressive monument, standing 8.78 meters tall, honors Zhu Di’s father, Zhu Yuanzhang. The stele, comprised of the head, body, and base, sits upon a sculpted tortoise. Intricate carvings adorn the base, head, and lower walls, depicting Zhu Yuanzhang’s life, achievements, and descendants. This tradition of erecting merit steles in front of imperial tombs began with the Ming and Qing dynasties. The pavilion’s original yellow glazed tile roof, once a majestic crown, was tragically destroyed during the Xianfeng era. Conflict between the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom and Qing forces led to its ruin. However, in 2012, the roof was meticulously reconstructed. The restoration team carefully studied historical records and the existing Ming Xiaoling Stele Pavilion in Beijing to ensure accuracy. The Shengongshengde Stele holds another secret, etched into its very stone. Graffiti, a testament to a different era, marks the tortoise base. “HIHARTLE 1919” is deeply carved, visible in the right light. Experts believe a foreigner created it in 1919. They reason that Chinese people would have recorded the year as “the eighth year of the Republic of China.” The name “Hartle” suggests a foreign surname. More graffiti, in Chinese, English, and possibly Korean, covers the back of the stele. These additions, painted rather than carved, hint at later visitors. These historical markings, impossible to remove, have endured for over a century. They offer a glimpse into the past, a fascinating contrast to the stele’s original purpose. A reminder to respect and protect the cultural heritage of the Shengongshengde Stele Pavilion and Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum.