Hometown of the Poetic Immortal: A Cultural Pilgrimage to the Li Bai Memorial Hall in Jiangyou

The Spiritual Home of the "Poetic Immortal"

1.Located in Qinglian: Town, Jiangyou City, Mianyang, Sichuan Province, the Li Bai Memorial Hall stands as the definitive sanctuary dedicated to China's greatest romantic poet, Li Bai (701-762 AD). Situated approximately 20 kilometers from Jiangyou city center and 150 kilometers from Chengdu, this site is celebrated as the poet's "primary hometown" where he spent his formative years from age 5 to 24. It is a National 4A-level Tourist Scenic Spot and a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit. Unlike a typical sterile museum, this memorial is a vibrant cultural park that integrates the poet’s former residence, ancient relics, and Tang-style gardens into a poetic landscape. Here, visitors can step back into the prosperous Tang Dynasty, tracing the growth of the "Banished Immortal" (Zhexian) from a talented village boy to a literary giant who wandered the world with a sword and a wine jar.

2.Longxi Courtyard: Where the Legend Began

The heart of the memorial complex is the Longxi Courtyard (Longxi Yuan), a restoration of Li Bai’s childhood home built in the architectural style of the Tang Dynasty. With its cyan tiles, white walls, and carved wooden windows, the courtyard exudes a simple yet elegant atmosphere. Inside, visitors can see the living quarters, including the bedroom and study where Li Bai read classics like the Three Character Classic and practiced calligraphy by the light of an oil lamp. The courtyard is shaded by lush trees, including a legendary Ficus tree (Huangjueshu) said to be the place where the young poet played. It is here that one can tangibly feel the family environment and the "strict but loving" upbringing that shaped his genius.

3.Taibai Ancestral: Hall and the Cave of Inspiration

Adjacent to the residence is the Taibai Ancestral Hall (Taibai Ci), a magnificent Qing Dynasty structure featuring double-eave roofs and golden tiles. The hall houses a majestic statue of Li Bai, depicted holding a wine vessel with a heroic and free-spirited expression, embodying his romantic soul. The walls are adorned with murals illustrating famous scenes from his life, such as "Sleeping in a Chang'an Wine Shop" and "Laughing at the Sky." Nearby lies the Taibai Cave, a natural cavern where the poet is said to have practiced swordplay and chanted poetry. The entrance bears the inscription "Taibai Dongtian," and the cool, stone-walled interior offers a glimpse into the young poet's diligent cultivation of both literary and martial arts.

A Treasury of Poetry and Calligraphy

The memorial hall is not just a scenic spot but a treasure trove of art. The Stele Forest and Poetry Corridor scattered throughout the park feature inscriptions from Tang and Song dynasty literati, as well as modern masters like Guo Moruo, praising Li Bai’s legacy. The main Exhibition Hall is divided into four sections—"Childhood in Qinglian," "Broken Dreams in Chang'an," "Wandering the World," and "Immortality of the Poet"—displaying precious artifacts, rare rubbings of Li Bai’s handwriting, and various editions of Tang poetry. Visitors can also explore the Taibai Wine Workshop, which recreates the Tang-era brewing process, allowing guests to smell the aroma of "Taibai Legacy Wine" and imagine the poet composing verses while intoxicated under the moon.