Title: Bridging Past and Present: How Nanchang Showcases Its Cultural Elegance Through Travel
By: Lu Mengmeng and Ding Xuan
What are “The Eight Elegances of Life”? As implied by the name, these traditional elements encompass the qin (a stringed instrument), chess (qi), calligraphy (shu), painting (hua), poetry (shi), wine (jiu), flowers (hua), and tea (cha). They represent a deep cultural heritage and a way of life, vital to China’s remarkable traditional culture.
Historically, “The Eight Elegances of Life” provided a framework for scholars and literati who aspired to lead an elegant lifestyle, appearing in a multitude of classical works. But in our modern society, how can we reinterpret and express these elements? How are they connected to contemporary life? This year’s National Day holiday will feature a city-wide cultural tourism event in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, themed around “The Eight Elegances of Life,” promising to shed light on these questions.
Exploring Nanchang’s “Eight Elegances of Life”
Nanchang’s connection to the qin dates back to legends surrounding Ling Lun, the legendary ancestor of music. At the foot of Meiling Mountain lies the Hongya Danjing Scenic Area, one of the “Ten Scenic Spots of Yuzhang.” Here, a statue of Ling Lun is set against breathtaking natural scenery, where the soft sounds of water evoke a beautiful melody, marking it as the birthplace of classical Chinese music.
Traveling northeast from Meiling, visitors can find the archaeological park of the Han Dynasty Haimen Marquis State on the west bank of Poyang Lake. In 2019, over 5,000 bamboo slips were discovered in Liu He’s tomb, revealing the earliest recorded rules of Liu Bo, an ancient board game considered a precursor to chess from the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods.
Next, let’s delve into the calligraphy (shu) of Nanchang. Situated on the southern bank of Poyang Lake, the town of Jinxian Wengang is the birthplace of the esteemed Song Dynasty writer Yan Shu. This region boasts a pen-making tradition that dates back 1,600 years to the Eastern Jin period, earning the title of “China’s Pen Capital.” According to local legend, Yan Shu achieved excellence in the imperial exams due to his impressive cursive script, made possible by the high-quality pens crafted in Wengang.
Now, we turn to painting (hua). The scenic landscape around Meihu Lake hosts China’s first museum dedicated to ancient painters, the Ba Da Shan Ren Memorial Hall, named after the celebrated painter Zhu Da. Across the Gan River, the famed Pavilion of Prince Teng narrates poetic stories of Nanchang’s past, where Tang Dynasty poet Wang Bo famously penned the “Preface to the Pavilion of Prince Teng,” a hallmark of regulated verse.
Shifting focus to Nanchang’s wine (jiu), in Jinxian County, the Li Du Yuan archaeological site reflects a brewing heritage dating back to the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Known as the “hometown of wine,” this area enjoys a brewing history that spans over 1,500 years.
Each spring, Nanchang flourishes with golden sweet-scented osmanthus blossoms, recognized as one of the “Three Treasures of World Horticulture” and celebrated as an auspicious flower in China. Officially designated Nanchang’s city flower in 1985, it symbolizes the city’s lively spirit. Tea lovers can enjoy Xishan Bailu, a highly regarded tea originating from the Tang Dynasty in the West Mountain region of Nanchang, known for its fragrant and smooth flavor.
Reflecting on Nanchang’s 2,200-year history as a national cultural heritage city reveals numerous surprises. By intertwining “The Eight Elegances of Life” with both ancient and modern themes, we uncover a distinctive urban charm.
Connecting “The Eight Elegances” to Urban Life
Nanchang is already working on integrating these eight elements into everyday life. Last November, the city hosted the “Eight Elegances of Life” Cultural Wandering Month, featuring events centered around the popular national animation IP, “Thirty Thousand Miles in Chang’an.” This immersive experience interconnected history and culture through performances and music, demonstrating the continuity of these traditions.
From September 15 to November 26 of this year, Nanchang will continue to promote its “Eight Elegances of Life” urban tourism brand through a new initiative that harmonizes traditional aesthetics with modern lifestyles. This effort intertwines the stories of these eight elements with contemporary business practices, offering unique exploration routes for residents and visitors to savor Nanchang’s elegance and warmth.
“To enrich cultural tourism consumption patterns, we’re presenting new engagement opportunities and experiences,” explained an event organizer. “We’ve collaborated with 50 high-quality merchants and cultural landmarks, including the Nanchang Porcelain Plate Painting Museum, to provide unique experiences. Collecting stamps from these venues offers participants rewards, from bookmarks to special color-changing mugs.”
To appeal to younger consumers, organizers have set up check-in installations at popular spots like the Pavilion of Prince Teng and Donghu Yiku for capturing moments of cultural elegance. Participants can earn limited-edition prizes by collecting stamps and “super symbol” tokens.
This initiative also includes a design competition inviting students and designers from across the country to create innovative pieces that reflect Nanchang’s unique characteristics within the framework of the Eight Elegances.
In Nanchang, the Eight Elegances are revitalizing urban daily life, serving as cornerstones for a richer quality of life. “Today, elegance infuses every aspect of life in Nanchang. By revealing the city’s historical and cultural wealth and creating new experiences around the Eight Elegances, we aim to provide visitors with fresh insights, showcasing a modern and stylish Nanchang that reflects its unique cultural identity,” commented Yang Xiqin, Chief of the Promotion Section at Nanchang’s Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, and Tourism.
As the National Day holiday approaches, let’s embark on a journey through Nanchang to discover a city life that beautifully intertwines its rich history with contemporary elegance.
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