Xiyang Palace

Xiyang Palace

Xiyang Palace (including the Tomb of Ouyang Guan and His Wife, Longgang Qianbiao Stele, the Tomb of Ouyang Dan and His Wife, the Tomb of Madames Xu and Yang, the Tomb of Ouyang Tongli and His Wife, the Xiyang Palace Gate Archway, Longgang Academy, Temple of Lord WenZhong, Confucian Scholars’ Reading Hall, Rebuilding Xiyang Palace Memorial Stele, and Renovation of Xiyang Palace Monument)

Scenic Beauty of Ouyang Xiu’s Hometown: Xiyang Palace is the birthplace of Ouyang Xiu, a literary master of his time. To commemorate this notable figure and his parents, structures such as the Temple of Lord WenZhong, the Pavilion of the Longgang Qianbiao Stele, Longgang Academy, Confucian Scholars’ School, the Drawing-Reed Tower, and the Moral Lectures Hall were successively built. Originally a Taoist temple called Xiyang Guan, it was renamed Xiyang Gong (Palace) to avoid the naming taboo shared with Ouyang Xiu’s father, Ouyang Guan. Since then, Xiyang Palace has become the ancestral burial site for the Ouyang family. The existing gate archway was renovated in the 10th year of the Kangxi reign during the Qing Dynasty. The three bold characters “Xiyang Palace” carved on the lintel above the front gate are said to have been inscribed personally by Emperor Kangxi. On the back of the gate archway are four vigorous characters, “Pillar of the Nation, Chief Minister,” believed to have been written by Wen Tianxiang.

Cultural attractions such as the Pavilion of the Longgang Qianbiao Stele, Longgang Academy, Confucian Scholars’ Academy, the Drawing-Reed Tower, and the joint tomb of Ouyang Xiu’s parents are also worthy of visit as part of the Xiyang Palace complex. Ouyang Xiu himself composed the “Longgang Qianbiao,” expressing heartfelt mourning for his parents through his own life story, an emotional tribute that moves readers to tears. Longgang Academy and Confucian Scholars’ Academy are said to have been built by later generations in memory of Ouyang Xiu’s studies there; the Drawing-Reed Tower commemorates Lady Zheng’s method of “teaching her son using reeds.” The joint tomb of Ouyang Chongguo and Lady Zheng is the burial site of Ouyang Xiu’s parents.

The Temple of Lord WenZhong is a memorial shrine dedicated to Ouyang Xiu and his father, Lord Chongguo. It is located within Xiyang Palace and aligned along the same central axis as the Xiyang Palace Gate Archway. Established in the Chunxi era of the Southern Song Dynasty (before 1186), it has commemorative records by figures such as Wu Cheng and Zeng Huan. The temple features a central courtyard, with its column layout employing the technique of shifting columns. Its caisson ceiling, plaster ceiling, beam frameworks, and camel hump braces are all consistent with Ming and Qing architectural styles. The entire structure, from layout to construction, embodies strong characteristics of Jiangnan residential architecture. A couplet inscribed on two large stone pillars lying horizontally in front of the temple praises and extols the virtuous conduct of Ouyang Xiu’s mother, Lady Zheng, for her chastity and dedication to raising her son into a talented individual. This ancient shrine has undergone multiple renovations over time, with the existing structure being the result of restorations during the Qianlong and Jiaqing eras of the Qing Dynasty.

Ouyang Xiu (August 1, 1007 – September 22, 1072), courtesy name Yongshu, also known by his art names Zuigong and Liuyi Jushi, was a Northern Song Dynasty politician, writer, and historian. One of the “Eight Great Prose Masters of the Tang and Song,” Ouyang Xiu contributed to the compilation of the New Book of Tang and the History of the Five Dynasties. He was a leading figure in the Classical Prose Movement of the Northern Song and authored works such as The Record of the Pavilion of the Drunken Old Man and Autumn Sound Essay. Throughout his life, Ouyang Xiu experienced many ups and downs in his official career, enduring three demotions. Known for his integrity and courage in standing up for justice, his poetry and some of his “elegant lyrics” reflect this aspect of his character. Ouyang Xiu was highly appreciative of young talents with real ability and went to great lengths to promote them... More details about Ouyang Xiu++

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of Jiangxi Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units