On October 2, the first day of the National Day holiday, the Jiangxi Provincial Library in the Honggutan District of Nanchang hosted a remarkable book appreciation event, shining a spotlight on ancient documents from the region’s academies. This gathering infused the holiday celebrations with a deeply cultural experience.
Jiangxi is recognized as a significant birthplace of China’s academy culture, boasting a rich history and vibrant heritage. For over a millennium, its ancient academies, including Bailudong Academy, Ehu Academy, Bailuzhou Academy, and Yuzhang Academy, have gained renown and are often collectively referred to as the “Four Great Ancient Academies of Jiangxi.”
What made this event particularly special was the combination of private collections and public archives displayed. The Jiangxi Provincial Library presented eight invaluable documents related to these academies, such as the Ming Dynasty manuscript “Jingzhi Tang Xu Chao” and various editions of the “Bailudong Academy Chronicle” published during the 20th year of the Wanli reign. Additionally, the exhibition featured documents from various periods of the Qing Dynasty that relate to academic life.
The response from the public was overwhelmingly positive, with many visitors drawn to the event. Experts and scholars engaged attendees in discussions about the historical impact of Jiangxi’s academies and the importance of preserving these ancient texts.
One visitor, Wang Yang, shared his thoughts, saying, “I was aware that Jiangxi academies held a vital place in Chinese educational history, but seeing these vivid historical documents in person was an entirely new experience for me. It felt like stepping back in time and truly experiencing the charm of academy culture.”
Importantly, the “Jiangxi Academy Ancient Document Appreciation Event” is part of a broader series organized by the Jiangxi Provincial Library, titled “Xijiang Book Talks—Jiangxi Ancient Document Appreciation Gathering.” This initiative brings together the library’s unique collections with contributions from local collectors, emphasizing service, public good, knowledge-sharing, and accessibility. The goal is to deepen public understanding of traditional Chinese texts, printing techniques, and local culture, while fostering cultural confidence and creating a society enriched by literary appreciation.
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