Fan Chengda (1126-1193), whose courtesy name was Zhineng, was born in Jiangsu province.

Fan was a famous poet in the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). He was known as one of the four famous Zhongxing poets, together with You Mao, Yang Wanli and Lu You. They were grouped together because most of their poems show the patriotic spirit of recovering the central plains and revitalizing the situation of the Song Dynasty.

Fan took up the post of magistrate of Chuzhou (today's Lishui) in 1167. He carried out the dredging project on the dilapidated Tongjiyan Irrigation and Drainage System, and set regulations for war. He did many things of benefit for the local people when he was in Chuzhou.

Stone tablets record the restoration of Tongjiyan irrigation system. [Photo/official WeChat account of Lishui municipal government]