Research Programme for Lingnan Culture of Institute of Chinese Studies and the Chinese University of Hong Kong Library jointly present this exhibition: “Southbound Intellectuals and Their Legacy: Lingnan Literati’s Contribution to a Century of Hong Kong Education” from 30 September 2021 to 18 February 2022. Members of the public are welcome. Admission is free.

Southbound intellectuals have had a profound impact on the heritage and evolution of traditional Chinese culture in Hong Kong since the late Qing and Republican era. These Lingnan literati established educational institutions for nurturing talent, founded literary societies, and held poetry gatherings to facilitate literary expression and exchange. They also published newspapers and magazines, and organised exhibitions to preserve and promote the traditional Chinese culture in Hong Kong. The rich and enduring legacy of the traditional Chinese classics, art, and literature followed the southbound journey of these intellectuals to Hong Kong and flourished in the city. The exhibition aims to explore the Lingnan literati’s stories and their contribution to Hong Kong’s education.

 

The exhibition is divided into four sections. The first section introduces the lives of 20 southern Lingnan literati and their contributions to Hong Kong’s education; the second section traces their footprints in Hong Kong; the third section presents the impact of their educational and cultural activities, including founding Chinese schools where they also taught, participating in calligraphy and painting clubs, organising exhibitions, and having articles published on newspapers; and the fourth exhibition area displays their rare publications and manuscripts, as well as calligraphy and paintings. 

 

It is hoped that by reviewing the development of traditional Chinese culture education in Hong Kong, we can inspire the next generation of students to continue to promote Chinese culture and humanistic traditions.

Details of the exhibition:
Exhibition period: 30 September 2021–18 February 2022
Venue: Exhibition Area, University Library, CUHK
Sponsors: Bei Shan Tang Foundation and GS Charity Foundation
Opening hours: http://www.lib.cuhk.edu.hk/
Enquiry: 3943 8740 /spc@lib.cuhk.edu.hk

Public lectures will be offered during the exhibition period, where experts familiar with the history of Lingnan literati will share their insights. Details are to be announced later on the Research Programme for Lingnan Culture and CUHK Library website.