Located in Wencheng County, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, Liu Bowen's Hometown is a national 5A-level scenic area. Covering 4.81 square kilometers (1.58 sq.km core area), it comprises seven main sites including Liu Ji Temple, Liu Bowen's Former Residence, and Wuyang Academy. The area preserves 23,000 sq.m of Ming-Qing architecture, with the 3,000 sq.m Liu Ji Temple (built in 1458) listed as a national heritage site.
History & Culture
Liu Ji (1311-1375), courtesy name Bowen, was a founding statesman of Ming Dynasty, renowned as a strategist and writer. Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang called him "my Zhang Liang". Folk saying goes: "Zhuge Liang divided the empire, Liu Bowen unified it". The area preserves scenes from his youth and retirement years, providing valuable historical materials.
In 1514, Liu was posthumously honored as "Grand Tutor" with the title "Wencheng", giving the county its name. Artifacts like the "History of Ming·Liu Ji Biography" stele and imperial plaques attest to his status as emperor's teacher.
Liu's cultural influence endures through works like "Yu Li Zi" and "Pancake Song". The annual Liu Bowen Cultural Festival on lunar June 15 attracts descendants worldwide for ancestor worship.
Main Attractions
Liu Ji Temple
A Ming official-style complex with seven courtyards along a central axis: screen wall, memorial archway, ceremonial gate, main hall, etc. The 2.8m-high seated statue of Liu Bowen is flanked by 36 precious artifacts including steles and plaques.
Wuyang Academy
Rebuilt in Qing Qianlong era, this three-courtyard academy where young Liu studied now houses exhibits like "Bowen Study" and "Art of War Hall" showcasing his scholarly and military achievements.
Seven-Star Settlement
Liu Bowen-designed ancestral village with seven houses arranged like the Big Dipper. The "Wuyang Hall" clan temple preserves the original Ming-era "Liu Family Instructions" stele.
Local Cuisine
Wencheng Vermicelli
Traditional sweet potato starch noodles with smooth texture. "Bowen Family Banquet" restaurant serves authentic dishes like stewed chicken with vermicelli.
She Ethnic Black Rice
Nearby She minority specialty, glutinous rice steamed with Vaccinium bracteatum leaves, emitting delicate fragrance. Annual making demonstrations occur on lunar March 3.
Ticket Information
Combo ticket: ¥80 (main sites, valid 2 days). Single tickets: Liu Ji Temple ¥50, Wuyang Academy ¥30. Half price for seniors over 60, free for over 70s and children under 1.2m. Guided tour: ¥100/session (advance booking).
Recommended Route
One-day itinerary: Visitor Center → Liu Ji Temple → Stele Corridor → Memorial Hall → Wuyang Academy → Seven-Star Settlement → Former Residence → Bowen Culture Park → Return. Allow 4-5 hours, prioritize Liu Ji Temple in morning.
Transportation
- High-speed rail: To Rui'an Station, then tourist shuttle (1hr)
- Drive: From Wenzhou via Shenhai Expressway (~1.5hrs)
- Bus: Direct coaches from Wenzhou South Bus Station
- Flight: Nearest Wenzhou Longwan Airport (2hr drive)
Must-See Spots
- Liu Ji Temple: National heritage, Ming official architecture
- Wuyang Academy: Liu's alma mater, academic exhibits
- Seven-Star Settlement: Big Dipper-arranged houses
- Bowen Culture Park: Modern cultural experience zone
Travel Tips
- Best seasons: spring & autumn (avoid rain and heat)
- Rent audio guide (¥20) for historical context
- Visit cultural shops for "Pancake Song" souvenirs
- Wear comfortable flats for slippery stone paths
- Time visit for cultural festival ceremonies
Precautions
- No flash photography in Liu Ji Temple
- Do not touch steles or wood carvings
- No smoking or littering in scenic area
- Elderly/children need escort on steep paths
- Last shuttle departs at 17:00