Classical Chinese prose and poetry flourished prodigiously in Hong Kong from the late Qing dynasty. This era witnessed the growth of poetry societies and the emergence of renowned southbound literati, who have left us with enormous amounts of valuable writings. The Collection features significant works from these southbound literati, such as Wang Tao (1828–1897), one of the earliest active figures in Hong Kong’s literary scene. In addition to assisting James Legge (1815–1897) in translating Confucian classics, Wang Tao founded the Universal Circulating Herald in 1874 and engaged extensively in exchanges with intellectuals from overseas and Mainland China. He also published various literary works, such as Tun ku lan yan wai bian (Collection of Essays from the Tao Garden).

Wang, Tao. Tao yuan wen lu wai bian (Collection of Essays from the Tao Garden)

After the 1911 revolution, many Lingnan literati, including Chen Botao (1855–1930), migrated to Hong Kong, viewing themselves as adherents to the Qing dynasty. On Song adherent Zhao Qiuxiao’s (1245–1294) birthday in 1916, Chen and other Guangdong and Hong Kong literati held a poetry gathering at Sung Wong Toi (Song Emperor’s Terrace). Compiled by Zu Zedong (1858–1927) in 1917, Songtai qiuchang (Poetry Exchanges at Sung Wong Toi in Autumn) is the first known compilation of poems by Hong Kong literati.

During the late Qing dynasty and the early Republic of China period, Hong Kong underwent a period of rapid economic development. This era also witnessed the emergence of prolific literary figures in the business community, including Chen Buchi (1870-1934). Chen compiled and published a Xiushi Lou series (Xiushi Lou Bibliographical Series) of 36 literary titles to preserve the writings of late Qing literati and men of letters in Hong Kong.

Before the end of the Second World War in 1945, Huang Weibo (1872–1955) and other literati founded the Shuo Guo She (Shuo Guo Society) and gathered a group of famous poets, including Li Jingkang (1890–1960) and Chen Jinghong (1903–1993). The Society published the nine-volume Shuo guo she shi ji (Poetry Collection from Shuo Guo Society). With more than 70 members, it was the most important poetry society in Hong Kong after the war.

The Lingnan literati not only published newspapers and magazines but also organised cultural activities such as exhibitions to promote traditional Chinese culture. For instance, Huang Bore (1901–1968) served as the Director of General Affairs for the Guangdong Heritage Exhibition in 1940. After the exhibition, he worked with others to edit Guangdong wenwu (Guangdong Heritage).

The Collection also includes local chronicles, biographical publications, Chinese translations of Western writings and early publications from Hong Kong. These primary resources provide valuable insights into the history, culture and people of the Lingnan region. All of these highlighted collection items can be found in the CUHK Digital Repository.

In collaboration with the Research Programme for Lingnan Culture of the Institute of Chinese Studies, the Library presented the exhibition “Southbound Intellectuals and Their Legacy: Lingnan Literati’s Contribution to a Century of Hong Kong Education” from 30 September 2021 to 8 May 2022. The exhibition showcased the profound impact of Lingnan literati on Hong Kong’s education over the past century. Furthermore, the Library has extended support to the Research Programme for Lingnan Culture in developing the Digital Repository of Rare Books, Calligraphy, and Paintings of Guangdong Literati and Gentry from the Ming Dynasty to the Republican Era. This repository houses a wide range of information related to Guangdong literati and gentry, serving as an important platform for encouraging interdisciplinary research and promoting the culture of Guangdong to a global audience.

Related Links:

• Lingnan Collection in CUHK Digital Repository:
  https://repository.lib.cuhk.edu.hk/en/collection/lingnan-book
  
  
• Audio Archives: Lectures on Chinese Classics from the Hok Hoi Library and others:
  https://repository.lib.cuhk.edu.hk/en/collection/cuhkhokhoi
  
  
• Online Exhibition: “Southbound Intellectuals and Their Legacy: Lingnan Literati’s Contribution to a Century of Hong Kong Education”:
  https://repository.lib.cuhk.edu.hk/en/Southbound%20Intellectuals%20and%20Their%20Legacy
  
  
• Digital Repository of Rare Books, Calligraphy, and Paintings of Guangdong Literati and Gentry from the Ming Dynasty to the Republican Era:
  https://lingnancrf.ics.cuhk.edu.hk/