Over 100 Chinese people from both sides across Taiwan Straits and overseas gathered at Wuyi Mountain in Fujian Province, China on January 10 to celebrate Guandi culture and the legacy of Zhuzi, a key figure in Neo-Confucianism.
The group visited Zhuzi Cultural Park and Zhuzi’s former residence, attended a groundbreaking ceremony for the Guandi Cultural Park and participated in seminars focused on Guandi and Zhuzi culture.
Xu Mou Jing, Chairman of the Philippine China Guandi Charity Foundation Inc., highlighted the cultural significance of Guandi culture for overseas Chinese communities.
He stated that Guandi culture serves as a spiritual link, uniting Chinese people worldwide and strengthening charity initiatives aimed at fostering friendship and goodwill between people.
Cultural lecturer Zhu Zheng Ming, as a guest speaker, highlighted that in Guandi’s hometown of Yuncheng, Shanxi Province, there stands a Guandi Temple with a Monument of Proverbs, erected in 1512.
The monument inscribes Guandi’s “4 Goods” Proverbs: “Read good books, speak kind words, do good deeds, be a good person.”
Zhu said Guandi’s teachings on loyalty and filial piety have been passed down through generations of Chinese.
The attendees unanimously agreed that only a strong culture can support a strong nation, and China’s strength can be sustained by preserving its 5,000-year-old cultural heritage.
They also recognized Zhuzi’s significant role in promoting Guandi culture during the Song and Ming Dynasties.
The event underscored the ongoing commitment to honoring and passing down Chinese cultural heritage, both in China and among overseas Chinese communities.