Liu Zongyuan Temple is the central attraction of Liuzi Scenic Area. Established in 814 AD, it was built by the people of Yongzhou to commemorate the progressive thinker, politician, and renowned literary figure of the Tang Dynasty, Liu Zongyuan, who served as the Sima of Yongzhou.
The temple is located on Liuzi Street, west of the Xiaoshui River in Yongzhou, and was first constructed in the third year of the Renzong Zhihe era of the Northern Song Dynasty (1056 AD). It was rebuilt during the 14th year of the Shaoxing era of the Southern Song Dynasty (1144 AD) and the third year of the Guangxu era of the Qing Dynasty (1877 AD). Covering an area of over 2000 square meters, the temple is built with brick and wood, facing the Yuxi Creek and backed by green mountains. The temple gate features a stone carving of the three characters ‘Liu Zongyuan Temple’ with couplets on both sides. Upon entering, the temple is laid out in three sections with three openings; the first is a double-eaved octagonal stage. Moving forward, one reaches the second central hall, followed by the third main hall, which houses a statue of Liu Zongyuan for worship. The temple contains numerous historical steles, among which ‘Lizi Stele’, ‘Snake Catching Song’, and ‘Visiting Yuxi Creek and Liu Zongyuan Temple’ are considered cultural treasures. The stele on the back wall of the main hall is also known as the ‘Three Excellences Stele’, with an inscription written by Han Yu, calligraphy by Su Shi, and content praising the deeds of Liu Zongyuan. The first line of the stele reads ‘Litchi Dan Xi Jiao Huang’, hence it is also called the ‘Litchi Stele’. Liu Zongyuan (773-819 AD), a renowned literary figure of the Tang Dynasty and one of the ‘Eight Great Prose Masters of the Tang and Song Dynasties’, was demoted to Yongzhou due to the failure of Wang Shumou’s reforms and lived there for 10 years, during which he wrote a vast number of literary works including ‘Eight Records of Yongzhou’, ‘River Snow’, and ‘The Snake Catcher’. He was widely loved by the people for his concern for their welfare. Although Yongzhou has beautiful scenery, it might remain unknown without Liu Zongyuan’s many essays and poems about Yongzhou, which contributed to spreading its fame. Opening hours: November 1st to June 30th, 08:00-17:30; July 1st to October 31st, 08:00-18:00. Preferential policies: Children under 1.2 meters (inclusive) are free of charge, elderly people aged 70 and above (inclusive) with a senior citizen card are free of charge, and those aged 60 (inclusive) to 70 (exclusive) can purchase discounted tickets with an ID card. Military personnel and disabled individuals with valid identification are also free of charge.
