CCP Leader Visits "Yunmeng Sleeping Tiger Land," Seen as Sign of Internal Power Struggle

On November 4, 2024, CCP leader Xi Jinping visited Yunmeng Sleeping Tiger Land in Xiaogan, Hubei, to view the Yunmeng Qin Slips. (Video screenshot)

[November 6, 2024] On November 4, CCP leader Xi Jinping inspected airborne troops in Xiaogan, Hubei, and also visited Yunmeng Sleeping Tiger Land to view ancient Qin dynasty bamboo slips. Xi’s inspection of the military drew attention, and his visit to Yunmeng Sleeping Tiger Land was interpreted as symbolic, possibly reflecting the crisis within Zhongnanhai's internal power struggles.

On November 6, Xinhua News Agency reported that on the afternoon of November 4, Xi Jinping visited the Yunmeng County Museum in Xiaogan City, Hubei, where he viewed an exhibition of bamboo slips from the Qin and Han dynasties unearthed from Yunmeng.

The official media report did not mention the famous “Sleeping Tiger Land,” though the name appeared on screen in news footage from the museum.

The Qin dynasty bamboo slips, known as the Yunmeng Sleeping Tiger Land Qin Slips (or Yunmeng Qin Slips), were excavated in December 1975 from the Qin tombs at Sleeping Tiger Land in Yunmeng County, Xiaogan City, Hubei.

Accompanying Xi was Vice Premier He Lifeng, responsible for finance and banking, while Politburo Standing Committee member and Central Office Director Cai Qi, who typically accompanies Xi, was absent.

In October, Xi visited Fujian and Anhui without Cai Qi, which had already sparked outside attention regarding Cai’s status.

Commentator Li Linyi told Epoch Times on November 6 that Xi’s visits to historical sites, such as temples, often carry political connotations, especially when he is in crisis. Li suggested Xi’s visit to "Sleeping Tiger Land" may also have deep significance. The word "tiger" is now commonly associated with anti-corruption, and "Sleeping Tiger Land" could symbolize Xi’s challenges, likening his administration to a “sleepwalking” or precarious state. A sleeping tiger may also symbolize ambitious figures around Xi who have yet to take action, making the location an unsettling one for Xi.

Another commentator, Jintao Pai'an, wrote in Kan Zhongguo on November 6 that Xi’s recent trip outside Beijing to inspect the airborne troops was also significant, noting that close ally Cai Qi was absent, with Zhang Youxia’s role filled by He Weidong. The symbolism of “Sleeping Tiger Land” and the Qin slips may carry political meaning.

The article explained that Sleeping Tiger Land has a storied legend. An ancient feng shui master from Xiaogan, Wang Tianqiu, moved the Jade Emperor with his kindness, prompting the Jade Emperor to send a divine turtle to Earth. The turtle, possessing spiritual wisdom, became fond of Wang Tianqiu. Before returning to heaven, it granted Wang one of its eyes to “consume” so that he could gain the “celestial eye,” allowing him to see into other realms and understand which lands were blessed. Wang used his knowledge to benefit the people.

Jintao Pai’an speculated that Xi might be symbolically wishing for such a "celestial eye" to see through political threats, perhaps to avoid betrayals like those of Qin Gang and make his dreams of saving the economy achievable—though this remains a hopeful fantasy.

Xinhua also reported that during his inspection of the airborne troops on November 4, Xi emphasized the importance of deepening political rectification, reinforcing responsibility for Party governance, and mentioned anti-corruption efforts and ensuring military unity and stability.

Xi was accompanied by Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission He Weidong, Air Force Commander Chang Dingqiu, Political Commissar Guo Puxiao, and Director of the Central Military Commission Office Fang Yongxiang. The commander and political commissar of the Central Theater Command were absent, though Hubei falls within that command.

An investigation has already uncovered a “tiger” in the Air Force. Late last year, former Air Force Commander Ding Laihang, also a member of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, was investigated. According to Ming Pao, Ding was implicated in a corruption case involving Beijing’s Xijiao Airport. Ding Laihang was widely viewed as a close ally of Xi from their time in Fujian, and the downfall of Xi’s confidants has continued to shock observers.

Political commentator Yang Wei noted in an Epoch Times article on November 6 that, unlike his previous speeches to the military, Xi avoided terms like “the Party’s absolute leadership over the military” or “obedience to the Party Central Committee and the Central Military Commission,” and did not mention “loyalty.” This subtle and sensitive change raises questions about who currently commands the military.

Jintao Pai’an’s article suggested that the absence of Zhang Youxia and Xi’s visit to Sleeping Tiger Land hint at further turbulence within Zhongnanhai. Long-standing rumors seem to resonate with interpretations of the Tui Bei Tu, an ancient Chinese prophecy, which mentions a “soldier with a bow.” Zhang Youxia’s surname contains the character “bow” (弓), and he holds the influential position of Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission. Many view Zhang as potentially pivotal in ending the CCP’s dictatorship, whether or not he takes active steps toward rebellion.

The article speculates that Xi’s visit to Yunmeng County’s museum indicates political instability. Xi’s apparent indecisiveness reflects a “high-level state of confusion” marked by “seeking answers outwardly.”

Recently, there have been signs of unusual behavior within the CCP’s top ranks. Zhang Youxia, 74, has frequently made high-profile appearances. On October 17, he accompanied Xi to inspect the Rocket Force in Anhui. In an unusual move, Caixin placed both Xi and Zhang’s names in the headline, signaling a sensitive message. Zhang’s high-level visit to Vietnam from October 23-26 generated further media buzz due to its extraordinary diplomatic reception by Vietnamese officials.

This year, rumors of health issues for Xi have circulated widely, both within the CCP system and abroad. After the CCP veterans’ collective appearance at the National Day reception, reports surfaced that Zhang Youxia had gained the elders’ support and that Xi had lost his grip on military power. The CCP Politburo meeting on October 28, which emphasized “strict adherence to democratic centralism and advancing leadership cadres’ upward and downward mobility,” also sparked speculation.

Editor: Sun Yun