Ready to explore a town with a captivating story? Liuhe is no ordinary place. It’s a town brimming with history and significance. Liuhe served as the starting point for Zheng He’s remarkable voyages to the West during the Ming Dynasty.
Liuhe sits where the Loujiang River meets the sea. This gives it a strategic position. People sometimes call Liuhe the “First Town at the End of the River and the Start of the Sea”.
Once called Liujiagang, or “Liu Family Harbor”, Liuhe adopted its current name during the Republic of China period. This name, Liuhe, means “Liu Creek”. Liuhe has a history stretching back 1,800 years.
Imagine Liuhe bustling with ships coming and going. Ocean transport thrived here in the Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties. Liuhe became known as a “dock that served six states”.
Emperor Yongle chose Liuhe as the starting point for Zheng He’s voyages. This decision highlighted Liuhe’s strategic importance. Zheng He’s seven voyages marked a glorious chapter in Liuhe’s history.
Liuhe boasts a rich cultural heritage. The town values learning. In the Ming and Qing Dynasties, many talented individuals emerged from Liuhe. The Wang family produced four high officials. The Loudong School of Painting, with Wang Shimin at its head, influenced Chinese painting.
Two famous people have links to Liuhe. Chien-Shiung Wu, the “queen of physics”, was born and raised here. Steven Chu, a Nobel Prize winner in physics, has ancestral roots in Liuhe.
Liuhe’s location near the Yangtze River provides it with unique features. The river’s mouth is wide and deep here, making it an ideal harbor. People say Liuhe stands out because of its position near the Yangtze and facing the sea.
Tianfei Palace in Liuhe connects to Zheng He’s voyages. Zheng He prayed to the sea goddess for safety before setting sail. He also erected a monument to commemorate his voyages.
Fishing remains a vital industry in Liuhe. The town is a key distribution center for fishery resources. The local catering industry thrives on aquatic delicacies. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood in Liuhe.
Modern industries are developing in Liuhe. The town aims to build a comprehensive industrial structure. New materials, alternative energy, and modern logistics are encouraged.
Liuhe has received several awards. It was listed as one of the first key towns in China in 2004. It was also named a “National Hygienic Town” and a “National Beautiful Environment Town”.
As you stand here in Liuhe, consider its past. From Zheng He’s voyages to its thriving industries, Liuhe offers a unique blend of history and progress.