Tomb of Liu Shixun

Tomb of Liu Shixun

The Tomb of Liu Shixun is a cultural tourism attraction.

Liu Shixun, a native of Cuizhen in Taoyuan (now Chengdao Village, Zhongxing Town), was an upright and selfless man who was generous with his wealth. He organized local militias and gatherings of righteous volunteers, earning widespread support from his neighbors. When Yue Fei learned of this, he wrote to encourage Liu Shixun to train in martial arts and resist the Jin invaders. With Yue Fei’s backing, Liu’s patriotic fervor soared. He spent all his family fortune to recruit soldiers and horses, training day and night, and earned Yue Fei’s recognition. Liu Shixun’s militia was incorporated into the “Yue Family Army.”

In the decisive Battle of Zhuxianzhen, Liu Shixun personally led the charge and broke the Jin Wushu’s “Hooked Chariots.” Jin Wushu lamented, “Since we launched our campaign from the sea, we have always relied on these to win—now, it’s over!” Marshal Yue Fei rewarded him for his valor and recommended him to the imperial court, where Liu Shixun was appointed Grand Tutor. After Yue Fei was betrayed and killed by the treacherous minister Qin Hui, Liu Shixun became disheartened and retired to his hometown. Every day, he burned incense at the Dongyue Temple to mourn Yue Fei. On May 29 of the 17th year of the Shaoxing era in the Song Dynasty, Liu Shixun passed away and was buried on Xiaotaozhou, west of the county seat. Emperor Gaozong of Song, in recognition of Liu Shixun’s loyalty and martial prowess, posthumously honored him with the title “True Lord.” When Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty traveled south along the Grand Canal to Taoyuan’s Chenjiazhuang and learned of this story, he personally inscribed: “The Tomb of True Lord Liu, Who Penetrates Heaven and Earth, as Authorized by the Great Song.” Local officials selected a massive stone, had it engraved into a stele, and erected it in front of the tomb. During the Cultural Revolution, the stele was destroyed. The current stele was newly funded and erected by descendants of Liu Shixun.