Cultural week on Chinese philosopher launched in Shaoxing

The 2021 Conference on Wang Yangming Studies opened in Shaoxing, East China's Zhejiang province on Oct 30.

The conference attracted scholars and experts from home and abroad to the city, which is the hometown of philosopher Wang Yangming, who lived during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

Local authorities said that Shaoxing is the birthplace of Wang, as well as the place where his doctrines were first developed and became widely circulated.

Among the cities that Wang lived in, Shaoxing is home to the largest number of relics related to him. He also spent more time living in the city than any other city in China.

Wang's philosophy has had a profound influence in China and other countries around the world, noting that he was undoubtedly one of the greatest philosophers to have ever lived, the local authorities added.

During the opening ceremony, organizers released information on the 550th anniversary of Wang's birth, which will be held next year.

The Wang Yangming Cultural Week was launched after the opening ceremony and will present exhibitions on Wang's philosophy, calligraphy works, books, as well as poetry.

In recent years, Shaoxing has made great efforts to strengthen the preservation of Wang's relics and former residence. The city is investing 6 billion yuan ($940 million) to renovate Wang's tomb and rebuild historical remains related to him.