On the morning of November 9, Hainan University (HNU) launched the 2nd International Forum on Dongpo Culture at its International Academic Exchange Center. The event attracted over 100 scholars from renowned institutions such as St. Petersburg State University, Waseda University, Osaka University, Hue University of Education, Beijing Normal University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Nanjing University, Wuhan University, Sichuan University, and Shandong University. They engaged in the discussions on Su Dongpo’s enduring legacy either in person or online.

Opening ceremony (Photo by Liao Dandan)

Key figures attending the opening ceremony included Li Jun, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of Hainan Provincial People’s Congress, Xia Xu, President of Hainan Academy of Social Sciences, and Li Yufeng, Chief Education Inspector of Hainan Provincial Government. Other notable guests included senior officials from various provincial departments, including Li Hua, Wang Quan and Chen Jianjiao, as well as Fu Xuanguo, Secretary of CPC HNU Committee and Director of Hainan Dongpo Culture Research and Promotion Center.

In his opening remarks, Li Jun highlighted that research on Su Shi, also known as Su Dongpo, has blossomed into a significant academic field with global influence over the past centuries. Since the Song Dynasty, studies on Su Shi have flourished in China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam, while the 20th century saw a surge in Western enthusiasm, dubbed “Dongpo Fad”. He emphasized that Su Shi’s cultural legacy transcends borders and time, uniting people across countries. Li expressed hope that the forum will serve as a platform for international academic exchanges and more experts worldwide will contribute to the research and promotion of Dongpo culture, spreading his wisdom and legacy.  

Li Jun delivering remarks at the forum (Photo by Liao Dandan)

Xia Xu noted that Dongpo culture embodies a spirit of optimism, exploration, and inclusivity. Internationalizing the research and dissemination of Dongpo’s legacy not only carries forward China’s rich cultural but also builds a bridge for global civilization exchanges and mutual learning. He emphasized that HNFHSSC will continue to strategically advance the preservation, study, and international promotion of Dongpo culture through well-coordinated projects in a bid to establish Hainan as a high-profile research and dissemination hub for Dongpo culture, thus supporting Hainan’s cultural prosperity and development.

Xia Xu delivering remarks at the forum (Photo by Liao Dandan)

Fu Xuanguo underscored the importance of cultural exchanges and mutual learning in enriching civilizations. The growing global interest in Su Shi’s works, he pointed out, exemplifies the timeless appeal of Chinese culture. Fu anticipated more scholars to conduct in-depth and inclusive dialogues on the inspiring role of Su Shi’s legacy in the modern era.

Fu Xuanguo delivering remarks at the forum (Photo by Liao Dandan)

The opening ceremony also featured speeches from Osaka University’s Professor Asami Yoji and Wang Zhaopeng, President of the Chinese Society for Song Dynasty Literature and Professor at Sichuan University. Following the ceremony, experts from institutions including the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Leshan Normal University, National Cheng Kung University, and others delivered keynote speeches and displayed their research outcomes, offering diverse interpretations of Dongpo culture.

The forum, under the theme of “The Global Dissemination and Historical Reception of Dongpo Culture”, featured profound discussions on four key topics: academic studies on Dongpo’s philosophy, textual analysis of Dongpo’s writings, Dongpo’s literary and artistic achievements, and the global dissemination and reception of Dongpo’s works. Additionally, two exhibitions — “Dongpo Manuscripts” and “Dongpo-themed Library Collections” were organized. This series of events were intended to further Dongpo culture’s global influence and promote cross-cultural dialogues.

Other participants of this Forum included Liu Libo, Vice President of the Party School of the CPC Hainan Provincial Committee, Yang Wu, a Level-II Inspector from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television, and Sports of Hainan Province, and other officials from the cultural and academic institutions across Hainan, along with senior leaders and related representatives of HNU.

Source from HNU News

Translated by Han Yunsheng

Proofread by Kuang Xiaowen, Yang Jie