Yangming's Former Residence

Wang Shouren, also known as Wang Yangming, was born in the Wang residence in Yuyao and buried in Lan Pavilion, Shaoxing. During the Ming Dynasty, both Yuyao and Lan Pavilion were under the jurisdiction of Shaoxing. On the first day of the Lunar New Year in 2021, I visited Wang Yangming’s tomb, and during this trip to Yuyao, I took time to visit his former residence.

The former residence of Wang Yangming is located on the northern slope of Longquan Mountain in Yuyao. The existing structure was restored on the original site in 2007. The building is a typical courtyard of a prominent ancient family, with a central axis consisting of a main hall and Ruiyun Tower, flanked by east and west wings. The Wang family was a prestigious clan in Yuyao. Wang Shouren’s grandfather, Wang Lun, was a well-known private tutor in the area, and his father, Wang Hua, was a top scholar who served as Minister of Personnel. Wang Shouren surpassed his predecessors, excelling in both civil and military endeavors, embodying the ideal of “establishing the mind for heaven and earth, setting the foundation for the people, inheriting the lost teachings of past sages, and bringing peace to all generations.” His achievements in virtue, deeds, and words have made him a “truly immortal” figure throughout history. After visiting his residence, it became clear how significantly his family contributed to his success.

Yuyao has long been a renowned town in southeastern China, with a strong emphasis on farming and education, fostering a rich cultural environment. In addition to Wang Yangming, many other cultural figures hailed from the area. Wang Shouren was born into a scholarly and official family in Yuyao. His father, Wang Hua, was the top scholar (Zhuangyuan) of the 17th year of Emperor Chenghua’s reign (1481) and held positions such as Vice Minister of Rites. Wang Shouren’s grandfather worked as a local educator, and until the age of 11, Wang received a Confucian education under his grandfather in Yuyao. At 15, he followed his father to Nanjing, where he was exposed to the secular education of the officialdom. During his youth, he had opportunities to travel with his father, exploring mountains and rivers, which greatly broadened his horizons and shaped his thinking. The Wang family’s substantial wealth and solid family foundation provided Wang Shouren with unparalleled educational resources compared to his peers. It can be said that the efforts of the Wang family across generations laid the groundwork for Wang Shouren’s eventual success.