During the Tang Dynasty, Liu Zongyuan and Liu Yuxi advocated for political reforms. After their efforts failed, they were demoted, with Liu Zongyuan eventually becoming the prefectural administrator of Yongzhou and later Liuzhou.

Despite frequent setbacks in his official career, Liu Zongyuan achieved great literary success. His prose was lucid and insightful, and his landscape essays vividly depicted scenes while conveying profound meanings.

After his death, Han Yu wrote "Eulogy for Liu Zihou" (祭柳子厚文), praising him with the words: "His writings were like jade pendants and beautiful gems, delivering eloquent and profound discourses (大放厥辞)."