Former Residence of Liu Xizai

Former Residence of Liu Xizai

The former residence of Liu Xizai is a cultural tourism attraction.

The former residence of Liu Xizai is situated in the bustling urban area of Xinghua City. The ancient gate tower emanates a tranquil and reflective ambiance amid the noise. The residence is divided into front and rear sections, with simple and elegant decor. The front part functioned as a reception hall, housing an old table and several chairs. The long doors and lattice windows are adorned with carvings of various designs, predominantly featuring orchids and slender bamboos. The lines are clean, classic, and graceful—much like Liu Xizai’s unassuming and refined life. Hanging at the center of the hall is a plaque inscribed with the characters “性静情逸” (Calm in Nature, Free in Sentiment), personally bestowed by Emperor Xianfeng of the Qing Dynasty. These four characters are a true reflection of Liu Xizai’s rigorous scholarly life.

Liu Xizai (1813–1881) was a literary figure of the Qing Dynasty. His courtesy name was Bojian, and his art name was Rongzhai; in his later years, he called himself Wuyaizi. He was a native of Xinghua, Taizhou, Jiangsu Province. A successful candidate in the imperial examinations during the Daoguang era, he held official positions including Left Central Attendant of the Left Spring Hall and Educational Commissioner of Guangdong. Later, he served for many years as head instructor at the Longmen Academy in Shanghai. He was a literary theorist and linguist of 19th-century China and was referred to as the “Eastern Hegel.”

Liu Xizai was born into a poor intellectual family that “had for generations made a living through farming and scholarship.” His father, Songling, also known as Heyu, was a licentiate who lived in seclusion in the countryside as a “recluse scholar.” “From a young age, Liu Xizai showed inclinations that his father recognized…” More details about Liu Xizai ++