The millennium-old Miaogao Temple is evidence of the longstanding and brilliant culture of Gushi. [Photo by Xia Yi/China Daily]

Because of Wang's contribution to local development, he was remembered by the Fujian people as one of the most prominent figures in local history.

Wang's massive family also went with him to Fujian, where they flourished into a large local clan after dozens of generations.

The museum was invested in and built by Wang Mingyi, chairman of the Pinnacle Group based in Zhengzhou, capital of Henan province. He is also a 36th-generation descendent of Wang Shenzhi.

Wang said the purpose of building the memorial museum is to enhance the coherence of the Wang clan, to remind them of the great contributions of their ancestor and to pass down the moral legacy of Wang Shenzhi to future generations.

"One of the most remarkable legacies left by Wang Shenzhi is his sense of responsibility for the people and the country, and the enterprising spirit in building a homeland amid many difficulties," Wang said.

After settling in Fujian, some Wang clan members also went beyond Fujian to Taiwan province, Southeast Asia and the rest of the world.

"Wang's Memorial Museum will also offer a platform for the Wang clan members to worship their ancestors and build connections," Wang said.

In addition to Wang Shenzhi, there are also other prominent people from Gushi that made great contributions to the spread of Central Plain culture－an important part of the Chinese civilization－to the rest of the country.

Wang Zhixue, head of the Gushi county government, mentioned Sun Shuao, the prime minister of the Chu State during the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC), who brought the relatively advanced farming and navigation techniques of the Central Plain to the south. Li Tong, a Han Dynasty (207 BC-AD 220) general, also made great contributions to the country's unification.