Yangming culture draws global visitors to its birthplace in SW China's Guizhou

Foreign guests "take a group photo" with ancient Chinese philosopher Wang Yangming (1472-1529) thanks to the application of digital technologies in Xiuwen county, Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province. (People's Daily Online/Long Zhangyu)

Guests from South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia gathered around an interactive digital screen at the Wang Yangming Memorial Hall in the China Yangming Culture Park, Xiuwen county, Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province, on Feb. 3. With the help of modern technology, their images were digitally merged on screen with that of ancient Chinese philosopher Wang Yangming (1472-1529) from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

Yangming culture, rooted in the philosophical system of Wang, centers on concepts such as "unity of knowledge and action." It is regarded as an essential component of traditional Chinese culture. In 1508, Wang was exiled to Longchang (present-day Xiuwen) in Guizhou. As a result, the province became the birthplace of Yangmingism.

Since then, Yangming culture has spread throughout East and Southeast Asia, becoming a vital spiritual link that has fostered regional cultural exchange. Its influence continues to be felt in South Korea, Japan, Southeast Asia and other regions.

In early February, the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Guizhou Provincial Committee organized a themed cultural exchange activity. Media representatives, online influencers and cultural tourism professionals from various countries explored Yangming Cave and the Wang Yangming Memorial Hall, gaining firsthand exposure to Yangming culture.

"In South Korea, people know about Yangming culture and understand the philosophy of 'unity of knowledge and action.' Coming to the source of Yangmingism today, I found much resonance," said a reporter from Korea Daily News. The visit not only deepened her appreciation of the warmth of Eastern culture, she added, but also demonstrated how cultural resonance can bring people from different countries closer together, strengthening the foundation for people-to-people friendship.

The Wang Yangming Memorial Hall officially opened on Jan. 13. The new facility features innovative exhibitions, an optimized spatial layout, and an integration of digital technologies with immersive, scene-based displays.

Foreign guests learn about Yangming culture in Xiuwen county, Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province. (People's Daily Online/Yang Qian)

Foreign guests learn about Yangming culture in Xiuwen county, Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province. (People's Daily Online/Yang Qian)

Foreign guests learn about Yangming culture in Xiuwen county, Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province. (People's Daily Online/Yang Qian)