Authorities in Zhejiang strengthen links to ancient times

After its downfall, the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127) had to abandon its capital in Kaifeng and flee to Lin’an. Kaifeng is in presentday Henan province, while Lin’an, now known as Hangzhou, is located in Zhejiang province.

Rulers from the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279) took over after the downfall. In 1131, Lin’an was officially established as the Southern Song Dynasty’s capital. Zhao Gou, the younger brother of the last Northern Song Dynasty emperor, became the succeeding dynasty’s first emperor — Gaozong.

Bao Weimin, president of the Chinese Research Association of Song Dynasty History and professor of history at Renmin University of China, said the school of thought that emerged in the province during the Southern Song Dynasty, known as the East Zhejiang school, and the development of applied technologies have had a profound impact on the culture of Zhejiang.

A large number of outstanding individuals in politics, economics, philosophy, literature, art and technology emerged through imperial examination throughout the Song Dynasty, along with various schools of thought that were developed during that time, Bao said.

The East Zhejiang school of thought, also known as the Shigong school, translates as “School of practice and achievement”.

This utilitarian school of thought advocated that it was important to acquire knowledge to be used for statecraft and practical contributions, not for empty talk.

Bao said that more than in many other schools of thought, emphasis was placed on agriculture, commerce and respect for businessmen, adding that history and tradition have been important for development of the economy and society in Zhejiang.

During the Southern Song Dynasty, agriculture was refined to a large extent. Advances in irrigation and the cultivation of new crop varieties, as well as numerous technological inventions and a relatively open political culture, contributed to prosperity during this period.

The authorities in Zhejiang have called on cadres across the province to advance the protection of Southern Song Dynasty relic sites, carry out academic studies on Song Dynasty culture, and build cultural brands featuring this period in history.