On 7 December 2021, ICS Luncheon invited Dr. Ching Chung Shan as the speaker to deliver a talk on the formation and activities of 錦山文社, one of the local literary societies.

 

Dr. Ching Chung Shan, received his PhD from The Chinese University of Hong Kong, currently serves as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Chinese Language and Literature. With his research interests in classical Chinese literature, ancient Chinese and classical poetry of Hong Kong, Dr. Ching is the author and editor of several books including Qingdai Guangdong Shixue Kaolun 清代廣東詩學考論, Xianggang Zhu Zhi Ci Xuan 香港竹枝詞選,Yushe Shici Jilu 愉社詩詞輯錄, and Xianggang Wenxue Daxi: Jiuti Wenxue Juan 香港文學大系 ‧ 舊體文學卷.

 

During the Luncheon, Dr. Ching introduced the background of 錦山文社, a local literary society formed by a group of southbound intellectuals who, wearing the hat of being businessmen as well, used their wealth to promote the traditional Chinese culture. The society hosted the annual event to gather all local intellectuals to enjoy various activities, including feasting, drinking, composing poetry, writing calligraphy, and painting. The idea was to provide a comfortable and friendly environment for the intellectuals, encourage creativity and exchange of ideas, and thus allow Chinese culture to blossom.