DATE:1844

LOCATION: SHUANGHAN VILLAGE, CHIAYI COUNTY

DESCRIPTION:

Wang Te-lu was a native of Chuluo County ( present day Taipao Village, Chiayi County ). He was born in 1770 and enrolled in a military academy at the age of 15. Two years later, after the outbreak of the Lin Shuang-wen Uprising, Wang assisted in the recruitment of soldiers for the militia of Chai Ta-chi to fight the rebel forces. For his exemplary service he was awarded the rank of lieutenant. In 1796, he was transferred to the navy, where he again distinguished himself by defeating the pirate leader Tsai Chien and was made a viscount. In 1838, he was bestowed the title of Grand Protector (Tai Pao) of the Heir Apparent, after which his hometown earned its name of Taipao. After his death in 1841, Wang was posthumously given the title of Grand Tutor of the Heir Apparent and interred at Shuangshan Village. The tomb, located on a two-hectare site in the middle of an expansive field, is backed by an earthen embankment and has stone pillars on either side. These are adorned with carvings of the four auspicious animals : the dragon, phoenix, lion and elephant. Pairs of stone figures, horses, sheep, and tigers are also set in the field beyond, completing this grand and stately tomb.