Culture week celebrates philosopher's birthday

The Former Residence of Wang Yangming, a Chinese Neo-Confucian philosopher, in Yuyao, a county-level city in Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/cnnb.com.cn]

A cultural week has been launched in Ningbo in East China's Zhejiang province to celebrate Chinese Neo-Confucian philosopher Wang Yangming's 547th birthday, which falls on Oct 31 every year.

The event, which runs from Oct 30 to Nov 5, includes activities such as poetry recitals, calligraphy exhibitions, and cultural and creative contests.

An ancient town named after Wang will also begin construction during the cultural week. The town is situated in the downtown area of Yuyao, a county-level city in Ningbo, and has a planned area of 529 mu (35.26 hectares).

Wang Yangming (1472–1529) was a Chinese statesman, general, and Neo–Confucian philosopher who was born in Yuyao. He was a leading critic of the orthodox Neo–Confucianism espoused by Zhu Xi (1130–1200). Wang is perhaps best known for his doctrine of the "unity of knowing and acting," which can be interpreted as a denial of the possibility of weakness of will.

Ningbo has long been committed to the research, promotion, and dissemination of Wang Yangming's ideas.

In recent years, the city has rebuilt the Former Residence of Wang Yangming, and constructed several landmarks to commemorate the local dignitary, including Zhongtian Pavilion and Yangming Park.

The city has also hosted a series of conferences and seminars revolving around Wang and inaugurated a research institute to promote the study of his works.

In addition, multiple genres of government-sponsored art themed around the great philosopher, ranging from operas to television dramas to cartoons, have won numerous awards.

Earlier this month, stamps featuring a depiction of Wang were issued by the State Post Bureau.