The Tomb of Lu Su (鲁肃墓) is located approximately 500 meters east of the Yueyang Tower in Yueyang, Hunan Province. The tomb is a prominent mound, standing 8 meters tall with a diameter of 32 meters, covering an area of 800 square meters. It is surrounded by stone railings, and at the top of the tomb, there is a small pavilion. Inside the pavilion stands a two-meter-tall stone stele, carved during the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty, inscribed with the words “Tomb of Wu’s Duke Lu Su.” Flanking the tomb are structures that now serve as exhibition rooms, offering visitors insights into Lu Su’s life and achievements.
About eight meters from the stele stands a stone archway, 3.5 meters high and 4 meters wide, supported by four pillars. The pillars are engraved with couplets that praise Lu Su’s career, political wisdom, and significant contributions.
Lu Su, styled Zijing, was a prominent political and military figure of the late Eastern Han Dynasty. Born in Dongcheng, Linhuai (present-day Dingyuan County, Anhui Province), he is remembered for his vital role in the establishment of the state of Eastern Wu during the Three Kingdoms period. According to Records of the Three Kingdoms (Sanguozhi), Lu Su was known for his grand ambitions and strategic thinking from a young age. His family was wealthy, and he was generous in helping others.
During the chaotic warlord era of the late Eastern Han, Lu Su donated his family fortune and joined Zhou Yu to support Sun Quan. In his first private meeting with Sun Quan, Lu Su advised that the Han Dynasty could not be restored, and that it was impossible to eliminate Cao Cao quickly. He argued that Sun Quan should consolidate power in Jiangdong (Eastern Wu) and wait for the right moment to act, a strategic insight that paralleled Zhuge Liang’s famous “Longzhong Plan.”
Before the Battle of Red Cliffs, Lu Su strongly advocated for an alliance with Liu Bei to resist Cao Cao. He played a key role in mediating conflicts between Zhou Yu and Zhuge Liang, which eventually led to victory in the pivotal battle. This victory laid the foundation for Sun Quan’s dominance in the Jiangdong region. After the battle, Lu Su also advocated for lending Jingzhou to Liu Bei, reinforcing the alliance with him and fostering the tripartite balance of power that defined the Three Kingdoms period.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 0.5 – 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 18.00; Last admission: 17.00 |
Location and Transportation
The Tomb of Lu Su is located at No. 279, Dongting North Road, in the Yueyanglou District of Yueyang City, Hunan Province. To get there, you can take bus Y21 and get off at 3517 Factory Stop (3517厂站).
