Nanping, China, October 17, 2026 -- The Conference on Zhu Xi’s Philosophy and Dialogue Among Diverse Civilizations and the Fifth Kaoting Forum was held in Nanping, Fujian Province, from October 17 to 18. Nearly 200 scholars and experts from China and abroad gathered to explore ways to preserve and promote Zhu Xi’s cultural legacy and foster dialogue and mutual learning among civilizations.

The conference, themed “Understanding Principles and Upholding Rites, Integrating Knowledge and Action: Dialogue Among Civilizations and Shaping of Social Order of Humanity”, explored the contemporary relevance of Zhu Xi’s thought and the adaptation of traditional cultural resources to today’s society. The organizers said that, while maintaining its academic focus and international outlook, this year’s forum placed greater emphasis on the practical application of the principles of “understanding principles and upholding rites”. It examined Zhu Xi’s philosophy in the context of contemporary public governance and dialogue among civilizations.

In addition to the opening ceremony and keynote speeches, four sub-forums were held that afternoon, focusing on four key themes: The Theoretical Integration and Contemporary Practice of Zhu Xi’s Philosophy and the “Two Integrations”; Zhu Xi’s Philosophy and Chinese Wisdom For Global Governance; Zhu Xi’s Philosophy and Humanistic Care in the Digital-Intelligent Era; and Cultural Heritage of Zhu Xi and Cross-Strait Integrated Development. These sub-forums provided a platform for in-depth academic exchange and discussion from multiple perspectives.

The forum’s program also includes a range of special activities, including a tree-planting event in which scholars will plant trees in the Zhu Xi Grove (also known as the Neo-Confucian Grove), the final of the third “Zhu Xi Cup” Chinese Poetry Competition, academic visits exploring traditional Chinese academy culture, and a traditional ritual honoring Zhu Xi. More than ten additional cultural events will also take place, including calligraphy and painting exhibitions, thematic exhibitions, and a seminar on the preservation of ancient books.

Since its launch in 2021, the Kaoting Forum has been held four times. Its focus has gradually expanded beyond academic studies of Zhu Xi’s philosophy to encompass cutting-edge topics such as social governance, ecological ethics, and AI ethics. As its intellectual horizons have broadened and its engagement with contemporary issues has deepened, the forum has also extended its influence beyond academic circles into wider society. Nanping, the host city, boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage and is one of the key places where Zhu Xi’s Neo-Confucian philosophy took shape and flourished. Zhu Xi (1130–1200), one of China’s most influential Confucian thinkers, spent more than half a century in the region. He taught and wrote at dozens of sites, including Wuyi Jingshe Academy, Kaoting Academy, and Hanquan Jingshe Academy, helping establish the influential Kaoting School of Neo-Confucian thought.

In recent years, Nanping has continued its efforts to preserve Zhu Xi’s cultural heritage and promote the integration of culture and ecology. Cultural landmarks such as Kaoting Academy and Wuyi Jingshe Academy have helped breathe new life into traditional culture amid the region’s lush landscapes.

Participating scholars noted that Zhu Xi’s philosophy embodies profound philosophical wisdom and insights into social governance. The conference has provided a platform for scholars of Zhu Xi’s philosophy and Confucianism from China and abroad to exchange ideas, helping to carry academic traditions forward while fostering innovation and promoting the international dissemination of Zhu Xi’s thought. It also fosters dialogue and mutual learning among diverse civilizations.

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