The gate of the memorial temple for Liu Bowen. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

Liu Bowen's Hometown Scenic Area, which spans 5.81 square kilometers in Wencheng county, Zhejiang province, recently won the approval of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to become a national 5A-level tourist attraction.

Born and raised in modern-day Wencheng county, Liu Bowen (1311-1375) was one of the greatest politicians and writers in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Liu was the most important strategy advisor to Zhu Yuanzhang (1328-1398), the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty, during Zhu's series of hard-won wars to unify China. Liu is synonymous with resourcefulness in Chinese culture.

In memory of this legendary figure, Wenchang county is named after Liu Bowen's posthumous title of "Wencheng".

The highlight of Liu Bowen's Hometown Scenic Area is a memorial temple for Liu. It was built in 1458, under the command of a Ming Dynasty emperor. Its well-preserved wooden architecture bears great significance for modern-day historians and archeologists.