Hometown of Zhu Xi

Hometown of Zhu Xi

The hometown of Zhu Xi is a cultural tourism attraction.

The hometown of Zhu Xi is located in Fucheng Village, Wufu Town. It was first built in the 14th year of the Southern Song Dynasty and underwent multiple renovations over the dynasties but was later destroyed in the late Republic of China period. What remains today is the Ziyang Tower, originally Zhu Xi’s former residence, which includes his childhood study spot — the Half-Mu Square Pond, the Lingquan Ancient Well, and the Zhu Zi Camphor Tree. It is said that the Zhu Zi Camphor Tree was planted by Zhu Xi himself and later referred to as the “Shenlang Camphor Tree” by later generations — so large that it takes 12 people to encircle it. The story of the Half-Mu Square Pond comes from Zhu Xi’s poem *Reflections on Reading*: “A half-mu square pond opens like a mirror; the light of sky and clouds lingers together. How can it be so clear? Because it has a constant inflow of fresh water.” Nearby Ziyang Tower are also historic sites such as Zhu Zi Lane, Xingxian Academy, Xingxian Ancient Street, and Zhu Zi Community Granary.

Wufu Town is located in the southeastern part of Wuyishan City. It is not only known as the “Hometown of White Lotus” but also as the “Origin of Confucian Learning,” being the birthplace of Zhu Xi, the master of Neo-Confucianism and the formative ground of his philosophy. Zhu Xi studied here under mentors for over 40 years, leaving behind historical relics such as Xingxian Academy, Zhu Zi Lane, and Ziyang Tower. Zhu Xi once gave lectures at Xingxian Academy. The name “Xingxian” is said to carry the meaning of “cultivating virtue and nurturing talent,” symbolizing carrying on traditions and forging ahead. Today, visitors can admire plaques and couplets in the academy, including one inscribed in Zhu Xi’s calligraphic style that reads “Carrying On and Forging Ahead.”

Zhu Zi Lane marks the boundary between Zhonghefang and Rulinfang in Wufu. The lane is paved entirely with cobblestones, winds along a twisting path, and is flanked by ancient high walls. Walking through it, one can almost hear the echoes of Zhu Xi’s footsteps as he pursued his studies. Zhu Xi lived in Wufu Town for nearly 50 years and passed through this lane every time he went out.

Next to Zhu Zi Lane stands the Lian Family Chastity Archway, built in the 16th year of the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty (1890). The archway’s plaque bears the inscriptions “Imperial Edict” and “Erected in Honor of Madam Lian, Mother of Liu, Wife of Scholar Guan Shi,” while the brick walls feature exquisite carvings of figures, auspicious birds, and mythical beasts. The structure is beautifully designed and exquisitely crafted. Inside, the beams and pillars are sturdy, and the window frames and beam supports are finely carved. The entire archway and surrounding buildings remain well-preserved, exemplifying typical Qing Dynasty architecture with some Ming influences.

Ziyang Tower is situated at the foot of Pingshan Mountain and by the shore of Tanxi Stream, surrounded by towering ancient trees and bamboo groves. In front of the house is the Half-Mu Square Pond, and behind it lies a lush bamboo forest. Legend has it that Zhu Xi’s famous poem *Reflections on Reading* was inspired by his time studying by the pond, leading him to write: “A half-mu square pond opens like a mirror; the light of sky and clouds lingers together. How can it be so clear? Because it has a constant inflow of fresh water.” The construction style of Ziyang Tower is solemn and elegant — a single-row, two-courtyard building. The front courtyard served as Zhu Xi’s study and bedroom. To honor his father, Zhu named the bedroom “Wei Zhai” (after his father’s alias) and the study “Hui Tang.” The central hall features a plaque reading “Ziyang Study Room,” signifying his remembrance of his ancestral home in Wuyuan, Huizhou.

The architectural layout of Ziyang Tower is solemn and refined, built with blue bricks and plain tiles in a single-row, two-courtyard style. The front courtyard served as Zhu Xi’s study and bedroom. In memory of his father’s aspirations, Zhu named the bedroom “Wei Zhai” (after his father’s alias) and the study “Hui Tang.” The central hall features a plaque inscribed “Ziyang Study Room,” also symbolizing remembrance of his roots, using the name of Ziyang Mountain in his ancestral home of Wuyuan, Huizhou (now in Jiangxi). This plaque was personally written by Zhu Xi’s teacher, Liu Zihui. Zhu Xi himself wrote *Record of the Named Hall and Room*, expressing that he would “not dare forget his late father’s aspirations.”

Zhu Xi, who reinterpreted and transformed Confucius’ teachings into the ultimate stage of Confucianism with distinct Ming Dynasty characteristics — the School of Principle — was a master who reshaped the Confucian ideals of the entire Chinese nation. He stands as one of the most pivotal figures in Chinese history. Zhu Xi returned to his mother’s hometown, Wufu Town, after his father’s passing and cared for her there for 40 years, thus having ample time to contemplate Confucius’ ideas and establishing Wufu Town as the birthplace of Neo-Confucianism.

Zhu Xi, courtesy name Yuanhui, later changed to Zhonghui, also known as Huian, with the alias Ziyang, was from Wuyuan, Jiangxi, but born in Youxi, Fujian. His father, Zhu Song, served as the magistrate of Youxi County during the 5th year of the Xuanhe reign of the Song Dynasty (1123) and, upon completing his term, stayed at Zheng Andao’s guesthouse in Shuinan, the county. On September 15, 1130, Zhu Xi was born. From a young age, Zhu Xi was intelligent and studious. At seven, he moved with his parents to Jianzhou (present-day Jian’ou, Fujian). At 14, following his father’s dying wish, he went to live with friends Hu Xian and Liu Mianzhi in Chongan County. Hu and Liu treated Zhu Xi like their own nephew, arranged his life, and taught him enthusiastically. Liu Mianzhi even married his daughter to Zhu Xi. … More details about Zhu Xi ++

Wufu Town: Located in the northeastern part of Wuyishan City, Wufu Town covers an area of 175.75 square kilometers. It borders Shipi in Pucheng to the east, Huitan in Jianyang to the south, Jiangkou in Jianyang to the west, and Shangmei Township in Wuyishan City to the north. Nestled among towering mountains, it includes Dongmian Pan Gang (elevation 1162.5 meters), Bijia Mountain (elevation 1028.8 meters) to the south, and Meilinggang (elevation 797.8 meters) to the north.

During the Song and Yuan dynasties, Wufu Town was divided into Inner Wufu Li and Outer Wufu Li, a division that continued until the late Qing Dynasty. In the Qing Dynasty, a patrol inspection office was established here. In 1935, during the Republic of China period, it became the Third District, covering Wufu, Baishui, Dajiang, Shuang... More details about Wufu Town ++

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