Perched at the peak of Huilong Hill in Yiyang, Hunan Province, lies the final resting place of one of the 20th century's most remarkable unsung heroes. Dr. Ho Feng-Shan — known globally as "China's Schindler" — saved thousands of Jewish lives during the Holocaust by issuing "visas to Shanghai" when other nations turned their backs. For those wishing to pay tribute, visiting his grave is a profound journey to the hometown of a man whose quiet courage embodies the very best of humanity.
"I thought it only natural to feel compassion and to want to help. From the standpoint of humanity, that is the way it should be."
Who Was Ho Feng-Shan? "China's Schindler"
Born on September 10, 1901, in a poor rural family in Yiyang, Hunan, Ho Feng-Shan rose from poverty to become a Chinese diplomat. After earning a PhD in political economics from the University of Munich, he entered the foreign service and was appointed Consul-General of the Chinese consulate in Vienna in 1938 — just as Nazi Germany annexed Austria.[reference:0]
When Jews desperately sought visas to escape Nazi persecution, many countries closed their doors. Consulates were flooded with applications from Jews desperate to flee the Holocaust, but while many nations were unwilling to accept more refugees, Ho saved thousands of lives by issuing visas to Shanghai.[reference:1] In direct violation of his superior's orders and at great personal risk, Ho issued thousands of "life visas" to Jews, enabling them to flee Vienna and find safety — often in Shanghai, an open port city without immigration controls.
When the Nazis confiscated his consulate building because it was owned by a Jew, Ho rented a new office with his own money and continued issuing visas. Even while returning to China in 1940, he delivered visas to Jewish refugees standing on railway platforms.[reference:3] The exact number of lives he saved may never be known, but based on visa serial numbers nearing 4,000, estimates range from several thousand to over 18,000 Jewish refugees who fled to Shanghai between 1938 and 1940.[reference:5]
Ho never spoke of his heroic deeds during his lifetime — not to his wife, children, or friends. He died in San Francisco on September 28, 1997, at age 96. In 2001, Israel's Yad Vashem posthumously honored him with the title "Righteous Among the Nations" — one of the highest honors bestowed on non-Jews who risked their lives during the Holocaust.[reference:8] He is buried in his beloved hometown of Yiyang, in accordance with his wishes.[reference:9]
Ho Feng-Shan's Grave: Location & Cemetery Details
Ho Feng-Shan's grave is located in Huilong Park (Huilongshan Park), at the peak of Huilong Hill in the Heshan District of Yiyang City, Hunan Province, postal code 413001.[reference:10] The cemetery was built by the Yiyang municipal government in 2007, on the tenth anniversary of his death. His daughter, Manli Ho, escorted his cremated remains from San Francisco back to his hometown for burial.[reference:11]
📍 Grave Information
Location: Huilong Park (peak of Huilong Hill), Heshan District, Yiyang City, Hunan Province, China
Address in Chinese: 湖南省益阳市赫山区会龙山公园何凤山墓
Cemetery Size: Approximately 850 square meters
Status: Hunan Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Unit and Patriotism Education Base
Admission: Free
The grave is situated at the confluence of the Zi River and the Zhixi River, where the two waterways form a cross. The area is heavily wooded, tranquil, and offers expansive views in all directions.[reference:12] The cemetery was designed with a unique East-meets-West architectural concept — the overall layout resembles both a swimming fish and an open eye looking out at the world. The eye is filled with greenery, symbolizing spring and hope.[reference:13]
The grave mound is arch-shaped, 6.4 meters in diameter and 0.8 meters high, constructed from marble. Three concentric marble rings radiate outward from the tomb, representing Dr. Ho's life journey — each step bringing him closer to his final return home. The green marble headstone stands 1.8 meters tall, inscribed with the characters "何公凤山墓".[reference:14]
A curved memorial wall rises behind the tomb — 2.7 meters tall and 22 meters long — reminiscent of the Western Wall in Jerusalem. The wall is inscribed with Dr. Ho's life story, details of his rescue of Jewish refugees, and words of gratitude from survivors he saved.[reference:15]
How to Get to Ho Feng-Shan's Grave
Getting to Yiyang
🚄 By High-Speed Rail
The fastest and most convenient option. Yiyang South Station connects to major cities:
- From Changsha (CSN): ~30 minutes by high-speed train, ~¥50 ($7 USD).
- From Guangzhou: ~2.5 hours.
- From Shenzhen: ~3 hours.
- From Wuhan: ~1.5 hours.
From Changsha South Station, trains depart regularly throughout the day. Tickets available via 12306 or at the station.
🚗 By Car / Taxi
If you prefer flexibility and are traveling within Hunan:
- From Changsha: ~1 hour, ~80 km (expressway).
- From Zhangjiajie: ~3 hours via G5513.
- From Wuhan: ~4.5 hours via G4 and G5513.
Ride-hailing apps (DiDi) work well in Yiyang. A taxi from Yiyang South Station to the city center is ~¥20-30.
Getting to Huilong Park (Local Transit)
🚌 By Bus
Multiple bus lines serve the Huilong Park area. Take any of the following routes and alight at the Huilong Park or Qixia Road stops:
- Bus routes: 23, 2, 28, 38
- Fare: 1–2 RMB (~$0.15–0.30 USD)
- Mobile payment accepted on most buses
From Yiyang South Station, Bus No. 28 goes directly toward Huilong Park.
🚕 By Taxi / Ride-Hailing
From anywhere in central Yiyang, a taxi to Huilong Park is affordable and convenient:
- From Yiyang Railway Station: ~10–15 minutes, ~¥15–20
- From Yiyang South Station (HSR): ~15–20 minutes, ~¥20–30
- From downtown Heshan District: ~5–10 minutes, ~¥10–15
- Ride-hailing (DiDi) is widely available
Finding the Grave Within Huilong Park
Within Huilong Park, navigate toward Guangfa Temple (广法寺) at the park's eastern slope. The grave lies on the southern slope of Huilong Hill. Past visitors recommend entering from Xixia Road near Xiufeng Park's west gate. Look for the large open square — from there, ascend approximately 50 meters upslope, then climb around 100 stone steps. You will first notice a flat black marble marker inscribed with "何凤山墓" (Ho Feng-Shan's Grave). Continue another dozen steps to reach the main cemetery. The cemetery is surrounded by several stone tablets inscribed with messages of gratitude from Jewish survivors and their descendants in both Chinese and English.
🚶 Walking Directions from Park Entrance
GPS Coordinates: Approximately 28.588°N, 112.346°E
Address (for GPS/DiDi): 栖霞路会龙山公园, 赫山区, 益阳市 (Xixia Road, Huilong Park, Heshan District, Yiyang City)
From Guangfa Temple: Ascend 50m uphill, then ~100 stone steps → look for black marble marker on the right → proceed another ~10 paces to the main grave.
Practical Information for Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Yiyang has a subtropical monsoon climate. Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) offer the most pleasant weather with mild temperatures and clear skies. Summer (June–August) can be hot and humid, while winter (December–February) is cool but rarely below freezing. Early mornings are the best time to visit the cemetery for tranquility and softer light for photos.
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes: The path to the grave involves stairs and uphill sections.
- Water & sunscreen: The cemetery is outdoors with limited shade during midday.
- Respectful attire: This is a cemetery; modest, respectful clothing is appropriate.
- A flower or small token: Many visitors leave flowers or notes at the grave to express gratitude.
- Camera (optional): The cemetery has beautiful panoramic views of Yiyang and the surrounding rivers.
Nearby Attractions
Extend your visit to Yiyang with these nearby sites of interest:
- Yiyang Museum (益阳市博物馆): Houses a permanent exhibition on Dr. Ho Feng-Shan's life and his "Visas to Shanghai" rescue story. Free admission, open daily except Mondays.
- Guangfa Temple (广法寺): A serene Buddhist temple adjacent to Huilong Park.
- Zishanhu Lake Park (梓山湖公园): A scenic lakeside park perfect for walking, picnicking, or simply relaxing.
- Peach Blossom Creek (桃花溪): A picturesque natural area ideal for hiking and photography.
Accommodation in Yiyang
Yiyang offers a range of accommodation options at remarkably affordable prices. A comfortable hotel room typically costs between ¥150–350 ($20–50 USD) per night. For those interested in a longer stay, modern apartments in elevator towers start from as low as $15,000 USD — a fraction of what you would pay in Western countries.
- Heshan District (赫山区): Yiyang's central district, close to shopping, dining, and Huilong Park. Wide range of hotels and serviced apartments available.
- Ziyang District (资阳区): Historic district with preserved ancient alleys, cultural attractions, and good accommodation options at slightly lower prices.
- Near Yiyang South Station: Convenient for travelers arriving by high-speed rail who plan to continue their journey the next day.
"In my two years as Chinese consul general in Vienna, my father was ordered to desist by his superiors and later reprimanded for his disobedience. He remained undaunted throughout."
Why This Pilgrimage Matters
Ho Feng-Shan's story matters profoundly — not only in Yiyang and China, but as part of world history. In an era when 31 out of 32 countries at the 1938 Évian Conference refused to accept Jewish refugees, Ho defied his superiors, the Nazis, and his own government to do what was morally right. He issued "visas for life" when other diplomats issued excuses.[reference:19]
Today, Ho's name is carved on the Honor Wall of the Garden of the Righteous Among the Nations at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem, with the inscription: "A Chinese should never be forgotten."[reference:20] His grave in Yiyang stands as a testament to one man's quiet courage — a permanent reminder that individual conscience can prevail against tyranny, and that compassion knows no borders.
Whether you are a history enthusiast, a descendant of Holocaust survivors, or simply a traveler seeking places of meaning, a visit to Ho Feng-Shan's grave offers a chance to honor an ordinary man who did extraordinary things. And in visiting Yiyang — the city that raised him — you will discover a place whose spirit of compassion and openness endures to this day.
Are you interested in exploring Yiyang for more than just a visit? With its exceptional affordability, walkable neighborhoods, and modern amenities, Yiyang is increasingly attracting foreign residents and investors. Learn more about living in Ho Feng-Shan's hometown — where you can own a modern apartment from just $15,000.