Quzhou in Zhejiang province initiated the Southern Confucianism Exchange Week at the National Library of China in Beijing on May 16.

At the opening ceremony, a video presentation highlighted the functionalities of the Document Database on descendants of Confucius in southern China, tracing the lineage of those who moved south to spread his philosophy.

When Kaifeng, the capital of the Song Dynasty (960-1279), was conquered by Jin Dynasty (1115-1234) forces, Emperor Gaozong and remnants of the Song Dynasty retreated to southern China. The eldest member of the 48th generation of Confucius' descendants, Kong Duanyou, also moved south, settling in Quzhou with his family. Since then, Quzhou has become the second-largest center for Confucian thought in southern China.

The "Compilation of Kong Family Archives from the Confucius Museum: Quzhou Kong Family Volume" was also released during the event.

The exchange week features a Southern Confucianism Theme Exhibition and a symposium, showcasing the contemporary transmission of Southern Confucianism and its close connection with Quzhou's urban development.

Several renowned experts and scholars were invited to the symposium to discuss how Southern Confucianism can empower public cultural services and advance culture and tourism.

The event offers a valuable opportunity for readers and audiences to experience the spirit of Southern Confucianism up close, noted Chen Ying, Party secretary of the National Library of China.

Gao Yi, Party secretary of Quzhou, emphasized that Southern Confucianism embodies the soul of the city and believes the event will play a significant role in promoting the Southern Confucianism.