Hometown of Yang Lian

Hometown of Yang Lian

The hometown of Yang Lian is a cultural tourism attraction.

The hometown of Yang Lian is located in Zhaobi Bay, about 30 kilometers north of Guangshui City. Yang Lian (1572–1625) was a native of Yingshan (now Guangshui, Hubei). His courtesy name was Wenru, and his pseudonym was Dahong. He was a high-ranking official during the Ming Dynasty, achieving the status of Jinshi (advanced scholar) in the Wanli era, and eventually rose to the position of Left Vice Censor-in-Chief. In the first year of the Taichang era (1620), he opposed Li Xuanju alongside Zuo Guangdou. In the fourth year of the Tianqi era (1624), he submitted a memorial listing twenty-four major crimes of Wei Zhongxian. The following year, he was falsely accused by Wei Zhongxian, arrested, imprisoned, and tortured to death. In the early years of the Chongzhen era, he was posthumously honored as Grand Guardian of the Heir Apparent, Minister of War, and given the posthumous title “Loyal and Heroic Duke.” He authored the *Collected Works of Yang Dahong*.

Zhaobi Bay is situated within Bazichong. The original residence has been ruined, but a statue of Yang Lian remains. Behind the former residence lies a branch range of the Tongbai Mountains, with undulating peaks creating a majestic landscape. On either side stand two towering cliffs, like two guardian lions. In front flows a river with shimmering blue waters; along the banks, stands of fir trees glisten deep green. A winding stone embankment is lined with weeping willows, making the scenery particularly beautiful.