Liuhou Park

HistoricalOverview

1906: Established as "Liuhou Memorial Park" by local scholars to honor Liu Zongyuan, who governed Liuzhou from 815–819 CE.

1950s–1970s: Expanded with new pavilions, gardens, and the Liuhou Temple complex during post-war reconstruction.

1982: Designated a national cultural relic site, preserving Liu Zongyuan’s tomb and historical inscriptions.

2000s: Restored ancient structures, including the 1,200-year-old "Iron Rooster" bell tower and the Tang-style East Pavilion.

2015–2020: Added cultural exhibition halls and digital interactive displays about Liu Zongyuan’s life and works.StructuralLayout

The park’s layout follows traditional Chinese garden principles, with winding paths, water features, and themed zones centered around Liu Zongyuan’s legacy:

Central Zone

Liuhou Temple: A Tang-style hall enshrining a statue of Liu Zongyuan, surrounded by his poems carved on stone tablets.

Liu Zongyuan’s Tomb: A circular mound with a 14th-century Ming Dynasty stele inscribed with his biography.

East Pavilion: A wooden structure housing replicas of Liu’s handwritten manuscripts and calligraphy.

Lakeside Zone

Cuiyan Rock: A limestone cliff with inscriptions by Liu Zongyuan, overlooking the Lotus Pond.

West Pavilion: A teahouse offering views of the lake and bamboo groves, ideal for poetry readings.

Nine-Turn Bridge: A zigzagging wooden bridge connecting islands in the pond, symbolizing life’s twists and turns.

Garden Zone

Orchid Garden: A secluded courtyard with fragrant flowers and stone sculptures inspired by Liu’s poetry.

Bamboo Path: A shaded walkway lined with towering bamboo, evoking the tranquility Liu sought during his exile.MajorAttractions

Liu Zongyuan’s Tomb and Stele: A UNESCO-recognized site featuring a 1.8-meter-tall Ming Dynasty stone tablet detailing his life.

Iron Rooster Bell Tower: A 6-meter-tall structure housing a 1,000-kg bronze bell cast in the Song Dynasty, rung during festivals.

Cuiyan Rock Inscriptions: Over 30 ancient characters carved by Liu Zongyuan, including his famous poem "Fishing in the Li River."

Lotus Pond: A 2-hectare lake dotted with islands, home to ducks and koi fish, framed by weeping willows and pavilions.

Cultural Exhibition Hall: Interactive displays about Liu’s philosophy, poetry, and impact on Chinese literature, with AR recreations of his era.

SuggestedItineraries

ClassicLiteraryRoute (1.5–2 Hours)

Central Zone: Liuhou Temple (20 mins) → Liu Zongyuan’s Tomb (15 mins) → East Pavilion (15 mins).

Lakeside Zone: Cuiyan Rock (20 mins) → West Pavilion (15 mins) → Nine-Turn Bridge (10 mins).

Highlights: Historical relics, poetry inscriptions, and scenic lake views.CulturalExplorationRoute (3–4 Hours)

Morning: Central Zone → Orchid Garden (20 mins) → Bamboo Path (20 mins).

Afternoon: Lakeside Zone → Cultural Exhibition Hall (40 mins) → Iron Rooster