The Renwen Society at China Institute is pleased to host a lecture by Liu Qian, a young writer based in the U.S., on December. Liu will explore how Chinese-language writing addresses the unique role of contemporary Chinese literature in a globalized, multi-context landscape.

As a Gen Z writer living in the U.S., Liu Qian has embraced Chinese as her language of literary expression, striving to explore, preserve, and enrich the cultural foundations of Chinese literature. Her studies in comparative literature and multilingual learning have broadened her academic horizons and deepened her connection to her cross-cultural identity. For Liu, Chinese is more than just a language—it is a reflection of cultural identity, a bridge to global literary traditions, and a mirror that invites self-reflection.

The lecture will delve into Liu Qian’s writing journey, examining the endless longing and emotional complexity faced by overseas Chinese. Liu will share her personal experiences of studying and living abroad, shedding light on the unique challenges and opportunities that come with it. Through her story, she aims to reflect the shared struggles and lesser-known emotional journeys of the Chinese diaspora.

Additionally, the lecture will explore how young Chinese writers confront the impact of global cultures, building on the legacy of predecessors like Bai Xianyong and Zhang Ailing, to redefine and enrich the meaning of Chinese-language literature. Liu will discuss how they continue to explore the unique significance and value of Chinese writing within world literature, offering fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.

在全球化日益加深、多元文化交融的当今社会，华语文学不仅承载着丰富的中华文化遗产，更是连接不同文化与思想的重要桥梁。在这个瞬息万变的时代，如何保持自身的文化身份认同，平衡文学传统与想法创新，是每位海外华语作家必须面对的挑战。

华美人文学会特邀旅美青年作家刘倩于美东时间12月7日晚8时至9时半（北京时间12月8日上午9时至10时半）做专题讲座，讨论上述问题。

作为一名00后旅美作家，刘倩在多元文化的影响下，坚定用中文进行文学创作，致力于探索、传承并丰富中国文学的文化根基。她的多语言学习与比较文学研究，不仅拓宽了她的学术视野，更让她在创作中找到了与自己跨文化、跨语境身份的深刻联系。对她而言，中文不仅是一种语言，更是文化身份的体现，是与世界文学传统对话的桥梁，以及能激发我们自省的明镜。

本次讲座旨在讨论在日益全球化与多语境交织的格局下，当代华语文学所扮演的独特角色。刘倩将分享她如何通过写作，深入探索海外华人的无限乡愁与游子之情，以及在异国求学和生活中的机遇与挑战。通过分享个人经历，她希望能够反映出海外华人群体所面临的普遍困境与不为人知的心路历程。此外，本次讲座还将探讨年轻一代华语作家如何面对全球文化的冲击与影响，结合前辈作家（如白先勇、张爱玲）的积累，重新定义和丰富华语文学的内涵，继续探索华语写作在世界文学中的独特意义与价值，并贡献独一无二的全新视野与想法。

China Institute’s cultural programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

The post “At the Turn of Spring”: Diaspora and the Future in Chinese-Language Writing appeared first on China Institute.

About Peipei Cheng

Cheng Pei Pei was one of Asian cinema’s martial arts legends and Hong Kong’s first action heroine. She started her film career with the Shaw Brothers Studio in 1961 and went on to make over 20 films with them. During that era, most Wuxia a.k.a. martial arts films often depicted women as weak or in supporting roles, but Cheng challenged those stereotypes.

One of her most iconic films was the classic COME DRINK WITH ME (1966). Cheng was cast in the role despite her not having any formal martial arts training. However, her background in ballet and traditional Chinese dance translated beautifully onscreen, showcasing her organic and fluid fighting moves that embodies the power and grace of her character, Golden Swallow. These meticulously choreographed fight scenes soon set the gold standard for later Wuxia films and the action films we see in Asian cinema and Hollywood today.

At a time when it was most difficult, Cheng’s performances redefined the notion of femininity in Asian Cinema. She demonstrated that women could be smart, powerful and strong, without compromising their grace or intelligence.

Today, audience remember Cheng best for her role as Mrs Hua in the comedy FLIRTING SCHOLAR opposite Stephen Chow; and as the wicked Jade Fox in Ang Lee’s Oscar winning CROUCHING TIGER HIDDEN DRAGON, for which she won a Best Supporting Actress Award at the 2001 Hong Kong Film Awards.

Cheng also starred in Chinese films like YANG SISTERS, and several Chinese television series including MULAN for CCTV, and the epic series THE PATRIOT YUE FEI opposite Huang Xiaoming, which became the first Chinese series to be broadcast on HBO.

In her later years, Cheng had a second career in Western features and she worked in the U.S., UK, Canada, Singapore, Australia etc. Her standout performance in the English feature LILTING opposite Ben Whishaw, as a mother coming to terms with the death of her gay son, even garnered her a Best Actress Nomination at the 2014 British Independent Film Awards. She also starred in the Canadian feature MEDITATION PARK opposite Tzi Ma and Sandra Oh, which had its World Premiere at TIFF. In 2019, Peipei made her final screen appearance as The Matchmaker, in Disney’s MULAN.

Event Details

In celebration of Peipei’s life and legacy, this commemoration will feature personal reflections, a special presentation of her film highlights titled “Highlights of Peipei Cheng’s Films,” and a photo slideshow that showcases her indelible impact on the silver screen and in real life. The event will open with an address by Mr. George Geh, CEO of China Institute, followed by a Buddhist blessing from the monks of Fo Guang Shan led by Master You Lin, paying homage to Peipei’s spiritual journey. These tributes will lead into heartfelt remarks from her family, friends, and prominent personalities, honoring her life’s remarkable contributions.

郑佩佩是亚洲影坛的武术传奇人物之一，也是香港第一位动作电影女侠。她于1963年在邵氏兄弟制片公司开始了她的电影生涯，期间拍摄了20多部电影。在那个时代，大多数武侠又名武术电影常将女性描绘成弱者或配角，但佩佩当时成为武侠片的票房保证，为女性在武侠片的地位写下新的一页。

她最具标志性的电影之一是经典的《大醉侠》（1966 年）。佩佩尽管没有接受过任何正式的武术训练，然而，她的芭蕾舞和中国传统舞蹈背景还是让她被选为《大醉侠》裏的金燕子一角。在胡金铨导演的精心设计下，无论是服装、武打场面、情节演绎都策划得天衣无缝，佩佩亦在萤幕上演绎出胡导演心目中的金燕子，没有另胡导演失望。这些精心设计的打斗场面很快就为后来的武侠电影以及我们今天在亚洲电影和好莱坞看到的动作片设定了黄金标准。

如今，观众对佩佩的印象最深刻的是周星驰《唐伯虎点秋香》裏的华夫人，以及她在李安执导的奥斯卡得奖影片《卧虎藏龙》中饰演的邪恶玉狐，并因此获得了2001年香港电影金像奖最佳女配角奖。

后来佩佩更演出了多部的中国电影及中国电视剧包括中央电视台的《花木兰》，以及黄晓明主演的古装历史剧《精忠岳飞》等，该剧成为第一部在 HBO 播出的中国电视剧。

晚年，佩佩在西方电影中更获得了第二浪她电影生涯高潮。在澳洲、美国、英国、加拿大、星加坡等地方有著很好的演出机会。 比较瞩目的是她主演了英国剧情片《LILTING》，与Ben Whishaw 演对手戏，饰演一位母亲儿子死亡后接受他的同性恋男友。 她的表演为她赢得了 2014 年英国独立电影奖最佳女主角提名。另外她与 Tzi Ma 和 Sandra Oh 主演了加拿大剧情片《冥想公园》，该片在 TIFF 进行了全球首映。 2019年，佩佩最后一次在银幕上亮相，是迪士尼的《花木兰》中饰演红娘。2024年郑佩佩荣获第六十一屆金马奖终身成就奖。

2024年7月17日，佩佩因病去世，享年78岁。她的离世是华语影坛的一大损失，但她的艺术成就将永存于世。

为纪念郑佩佩的卓越人生和非凡艺术成就，在她的挚友江青女士的发起和召集下，并得到佛光山纽约道场的大力支持，华美人文学会与美华艺术协会将于2024年11月9日下午2时至4时在华美协进社举办郑佩佩追思会。届时，佩佩的家人和挚友将发表感言，缅怀她的艺术造诣和人生情谊。追思会上将播放「郑佩佩影视集锦」和「佩佩照相簿」，展示她从影以来的辉煌时刻与感人瞬间。

追思会上，华美协进社社长葛晓初先生将首先致辞，然后佛光山纽约道场有霖法师将带领大众祈福，功德回向郑佩佩，祈愿佛陀接引他到清净自在的佛国。这场追思会不仅是对她的告别，更是对她艺术生命的致敬，激励后人铭记她在电影艺术与文化传承中的不朽贡献。

China Institute’s cultural programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

The post Commemoration of Peipei Cheng: A Tribute to a Martial Arts Legend appeared first on China Institute.

Mr. Chen Zhengrong, a renowned writer, has devoted himself to the study of the intricate connections between these three cities and Dream of the Red Chamber in his new book, The Three Cities in The Dream of the Red Chamber. As he elucidated, Nanjing, the hometown of the author Cao Xueqin, provided the foundation for the iconic “Twelve Beauties of Jinling,” offering insight into the author’s attachment to his homeland; Suzhou, the birthplace of Lin Daiyu and a key location in the journeys of other characters, enriched the novel’s cultural layers; and Yangzhou, where Lin Daiyu spent her childhood and which marks the starting point of the Grand Canal, was embedded in Cao Xueqin’s memories.

Beyond their literary symbolism, these cities reflected the real-life history and legacy of Cao Xueqin’s family. At this lecture, Mr. Chen will shed light on how Nanjing, Suzhou, and Yangzhou not only served as the backdrop for the novel but also bore witness to the rise and fall of Cao’s family. By tracing the cultural and historical ties between these cities and The Dream of the Red Chamber, this lecture offers a deeper understanding of the novel’s enduring charm and far-reaching influence.

《红楼梦》自问世以来，因其复杂的故事结构、深刻的人物刻画和丰富的文化背景，被誉为中国文学史上的经典之一。其背后折射出的社会、历史、文化情结，引发了无数学者的研究与解读。南京、苏州、扬州作为小说中频繁出现的城市，是《红楼梦》构架中不可或缺的重要支柱。

“红楼三城” 是陈正荣先生提出的概念，他将这三座城市视为《红楼梦》情感与文化的发源地。南京，是曹雪芹的故乡，也是《红楼梦》人物、场景与情节的重要背景。书中的“金陵十二钗”，以南京为核心，展现了曹雪芹对故土的深切眷恋。苏州，小说中描写了林黛玉的出生地，薛蟠的旅程，以及妙玉的居所，丰富了小说的文化内涵。扬州，作为林黛玉幼年生活的城市和大运河北去的起点，深深烙印在曹雪芹的记忆中。

三座城市不仅在《红楼梦》中以文学符号的形式出现，更是曹雪芹家族的生活印记。南京作为曹家世代为官的重镇，苏州与扬州亦是曹家历史的重要组成部分。曹雪芹以这些城市为背景，书写了贾府的盛衰与人生的无常。这些城市不仅承载了《红楼梦》的文学场景，还见证了曹雪芹家族的兴衰。

华美人文学会特邀《红楼三城》的作者陈正荣先生于美东时间10月26日晚8时至9时半（北京时间10月27日早8时至9时半）做专题在线讲座，深入探讨这三座历史文化名城与《红楼梦》之间的深厚联系。通过此次讲座，听众将走进南京、苏州、扬州的文化遗迹，感受《红楼梦》中的风土人情与历史背景，以更深刻地理解这部传世名著的魅力和深远影响。

China Institute’s cultural programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

The post Literary Landscapes: Nanjing, Suzhou, and Yangzhou in The Dream of the Red Chamber appeared first on China Institute.

Through the creation of this woman with an increasing intensity of her emotion journey: happiness, fears, heartbreaks, and love, courage and resolve, Li Bai (701-762), arguably the greatest poet in Chinese literature, has crossed the barrier of sex and triumphed in assuming the role of the female protagonist as the first person in his writing to express her thoughts, feelings, yearning as she tells her story. What Li Bai has achieved in this aspect is quite unique, as few other male poets (if any) throughout the history of classical Chinese poetry have achieved. And hers is not an only voice of a woman of antiquity; it resonates as the voice of every woman in love of all time: the name of this woman is far from Frailty; it must be Courage: Li Bai’s answer to Bellini’s Norma, Li Bai’s counterpart to Sophocles’ Antigone.

Calling from Chang-gan, with its full drama and feminism in poetry set in its remarkable rhyming and tonal schemes, makes for a memorable reading for all aficionados of classical Chinese poetry. It will be a Ben Wang special lecture offered in Chinese. Join us for this illuminating lecture!

乐府诗为旧体诗的一种，凡是可传唱的诗，都可称为乐府。

“乐府”起源于秦代，汉人乐府最早称歌诗，即来自民间歌谣的歌辞。后来贵族文人以及士大夫也仿制民歌来写作。乐府诗受《诗经》影响。汉乐府虽继承《诗经》朴实自然的语言风格，然突破了《诗经》的四言句式，以五言七言句式为主，形式自由变化，参差错落，不拘一格。
古代乐府如今曲谱不存，惟歌词流传下来，从标题上，有“歌、行、吟、曲、乐、弄、操、引、调”等字眼的，往往是乐府诗。

两汉乐府诗的特色，在于“缘于哀乐，感事而发”，如《孔雀东南飞》描述爱情、家庭悲剧，最为出色。至唐朝，李白方集乐府之大成。

李白撰写的乐府诗在中国古典文学上有其伟大成就与贡献，其中他初游金陵时所作的《长干行》一首尤具奇光异彩。全诗用词淡雅朴实，多近白话文，然结构严谨，主题在似乎平淡中写出极富人性與戏剧化的女性思想主义的精髓，借用春夏秋冬四季来表现一个平常“草根”女子的感情和激情。在结构上，八世纪中国的李白穿越了一千多年的文化与地理的隔阂，创用了二十世纪初英国文学中才出现的“意识流“，让读者铭心地感到人物的思维在诗歌文学中衍生出无比的力量，从而增加读者對女性产生深一层的了解。李白更透过声韵以及平仄的跌宕转合，用音乐完美地加强了女主角内心的呼唤，使一段小女子對远别爱人以及往事的点滴追忆，变成一名英勇女战士对爱情坚强执着，无畏的呐喊。

《长干行》是中国文学史上百代灿烂的一章，也是李白永远惊世的一朵奇葩。

华美人文学会于美东时间9月28日晚8时至9时半（北京时间9月29日早8时至9时半特邀汪班先生介绍李白所著《長干行》，欢迎雅爱中国古典诗歌人士前来聆听欣赏。

China Institute’s cultural programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

The post Calling from Chang-gan (长干行) by Li Bai (李白) appeared first on China Institute.

On Saturday, October 12, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, the Renwen Society at China Institute and the Kunqu Society of New York jointly present a captivating performance of classic Kunqu opera scenes. The talented students of the Kunqu Society will perform selected scenes from four Kunqu masterpieces: The Jade Hairpin, The Eternal Palace, The Western Chamber, and The Peony Pavilion.

The Jade Hairpin, written by Gao Lian, tells the love story between Pan Bizheng and Chen Miaochang, which takes place in a nunnery. “The Zither” is one of the play’s most famous scenes. It depicts the young scholar Pan Bizheng, who, while staying at the nunnery, hears zither music one night and follows it to Miaochang’s residence. There, he expresses his affection through his music. Miaochang, though secretly in love with Pan, pretends to reject his advances due to her status as a nun.

The Eternal Palace, written by Hong Sheng and based on Bai Juyi’s famous poem Song of Everlasting Regret, centers on the tragic romance between Emperor Xuanzong of Tang and his beloved lady Yang Yuhuan, interwoven with reflections on the rise and fall of the Tang dynasty. In the scene “A Banquet for Two,” the emperor and the lady enjoy an intimate evening in the imperial garden, where Yang Yuhuan performs a dance to the verses of a poem by the great poet Li Bai. The emperor is delighted, and the scene exudes a sense of fleeting joy.

The Story of the Western Wing, adapted by Wang Shifu from Yuan Zhen’s The Tale of Yingying, tells the love story of the scholar Zhang Gong and the highborn lady Cui Yingying, who unite with the help of Yingying’s clever maid, Pinkie. In the scene “A Sweet Rendezvous,” Pinkie facilitates a secret meeting between the two lovers, imagining their blissful union while keeping watch outside.

The Peony Pavilion, written by Tang Xianzu, is a literary masterpiece and a cornerstone of the Kunqu repertoire. The famous scene “The Interrupted Dream” depicts Du Liniang, the daughter of the governor of Nan’an, falling asleep after a leisurely stroll in the garden. In her dream, she meets a handsome young scholar, Liu Mengmei, with whom she shares a romantic encounter.

This performance promises to be a feast for the senses, bringing the enchanting world of Kunqu opera to the New York Community. Join us for this extraordinary event!

Free, but advance registration is required

昆曲起源于元朝，历史悠久，影响广泛而深远，它是传统文化的结晶，也是戏曲表演的典范。昆曲艺术形式精致，内涵深厚。由于昆曲独特的文化价值，因此2001年入选联合国教科文组织首批“人类口头和非物质遗产代表作”。

华美人文学会(The Renwen Society at China Institute) 联手纽约海外昆曲社 (Kunqu Society of New York) 于美东时间10月12日（周六）下午2点至4点为纽约地区的民众奉上一场精彩纷呈的昆曲经典折子戏选段的演出。曲社昆曲传习班的同学们将粉墨登场，为大家带来《玉簪记·琴挑》《长生殿·小宴》《西厢记·佳期》和《牡丹亭·惊梦》。欢迎前来观赏！

《玉簪记》为明代高濂所撰，写潘必正和陈妙常之间曲折离奇的爱情故事。〈琴挑〉是《玉簪记》中最精彩的一折，描写寄居在女贞观中的必正，一晚循琴声至妙常住所，于是藉弹琴表达爱慕之意。妙常对必正虽亦心存爱慕，但碍于身份，不得不假意拒绝。

《长生殿》为清代洪昇根据白居易《长恨歌》编写，其内容以唐明皇李隆基与贵妃杨玉环的情感传奇为主，又交织了对国家兴亡的感概。〈小宴〉写明皇和贵妃在御花园中饮酒作乐。贵妃载歌载舞，为明皇歌唱诗仙李白所写清平词。明皇大乐，开怀畅饮。

《西厢记》为元代王实甫根据元稹所写的传奇《会真记》改编，讲述书生张珙与相国之女崔莺莺在婢女红娘的帮助之下历经波折终成眷属的故事。〈佳期〉中，红娘一力促成了张生与莺莺的幽会。她一面在外望风，一面想像这对爱人相依相伴的场景。

《牡丹亭》 为明代汤显祖所著，在文学史和昆曲剧坛上都是一部不朽的名著。其中的〈惊梦〉一折描写南安太守之女杜丽娘到花园游赏之后，睏倦入梦，在梦中与手持柳枝前来的俊美书生柳梦梅欢会。

China Institute’s cultural programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

The post Echoes of Elegance: A Celebration of Kunqu Opera Classics appeared first on China Institute.

Despite its many definitions, cultural diplomacy seen through the relationship between its initiator and receiver is an issue of education. A long-term commitment, it also needs historical sensibilities. As contemporary cultural exchanges between the United States and China face new challenges and opportunities, revisiting key moments in the history of the China Institute becomes particularly meaningful.

The Renwen Society is presenting a lecture on China Institute and Chinese cultural diplomacy by Dr. Yanqiu Zheng from St. Lawrence University’s Center for International and Intercultural Studies. His lecture will be based on his monograph to be published by the University of Michigan Press this month and discuss the historical significance of China Institute in Chinese cultural diplomacy.

即将迎来百年华诞的华美协进社是由中美两国若干有识之士倡议，在第一次世界大战结束之后国际文化交流重启的时代背景下于1926年的纽约成立的文化机构。它也是长期由中国留美知识分子管理，在美推广中华文化的先驱。

尽管文化外交的定义众说纷纭，但从主办方和接收方的关系来看其实是一个教育的议题。它需要长期投入，也需要历史的眼光。当下的中美文化交流面临新的挑战和机遇，重温华美协进社成长过程的相关点滴也就有了特别的意义。

华美人文学会特邀任职于纽约州圣劳伦斯大学国际与跨文化研究中心的郑砚秋博士于美东时间2024年9月14日晚8时至9时半（北京时间9月15日上午8时至9时半）做题为“华美协进社与中华文化外交”专题讲座。他将以他本人由密西根大学出版社出版的新著为基础，讨论华美协进社在中华文化外交中的历史意义.

China Institute’s cultural programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

The post China Institute in America and Chinese Cultural Diplomacy appeared first on China Institute.

Ferguson’s life was filled with remarkable achievements and contributions across multiple domains. He was active during both the late Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China, playing roles as a missionary educator, government advisor, social activist, art collector, and scholar of Chinese art and culture. His impact was felt in the fields of education, diplomacy, social welfare, museum development, and Sino-American cultural exchange.

At this lecture, Prof. Guo Feng, author of an 800-page book on Ferguson, will highlight five key areas of Ferguson’s accomplishments: educator, government advisor, social activist, art collector, and scholar of Chinese art and culture. He will discuss Ferguson’s major achievements during his fifty-six years in China and explore the reasons behind his successful career.

福开森（Dr. John Calvin Ferguson，1866-1945），加拿大裔美国人，获波士顿大学学士和博士学位，美以美会（卫理公会）传教士，南京汇文书院（金陵大学的前身之一）首任校长，南洋公学（上海交通大学的前身）首任监院。1887年来华，1943年返美，1945在纽约州的克利夫顿疗养院去世，是中国近代史上为数不多的在华工作生活超过五十年且事业有成、颇有影响的外国人之一。福开森一生充满传奇色彩。他经历晚清和民国两个时代，以传教士教育家、政府顾问、社会活动家、文物收藏家和中国艺术文化学者的身份，在清末新政、北洋政府外交、中国近代高等教育、社会公益事业、博物馆事业、中美艺术文化交流以及中国艺术文化研究等领域扮演角色，发挥作用，做出贡献。

福开森1884年走进波士顿大学，攻读专业学位的同时，学习中国文化，为来华工作做准备。至今年是140周年。为纪念这个重要的日子，並进一步了解福开森在中国近代史上述各个领域扮演的角色，取得的成就，做出的贡献，华美人文学会特邀请福开森研究专家郭锋教授于美东时间6月22日晚8时至9时半（北京时间6月23日早8时至9时半）做《我有我的机遇：福开森在华工作生活一生的五个闪光点》专题讲座。郭锋教授在讲座中将从教育家、政府顾问、社会活动家、文物收藏家和中国艺术文化学者等五个方面，介绍福开森在华工作生活五十六年取得的主要成就及其影响，並探讨福开森事业上获得成功的原因。

China Institute’s cultural programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

The post Bridging Cultures: The Enduring Legacy of John Calvin Ferguson in Modern China appeared first on China Institute.

While Yung Wing is rightfully recognized as the “Father of Chinese Students Studying Abroad,” his impact extended far beyond education. China’s modern history was a period of intense social and political upheaval. While other prominent figures dominated specific eras, Yung Wing’s influence spanned the entire period. His contributions were multifaceted, shaping not just educational reform but also China’s broader development.

To mark the 170th anniversary of Yung Wing’s graduation from Yale University, the Renwen Society presents a special lecture by Prof. Lei Yi, a leading Yung Wing scholar. Prof. Lei will delve into Yung Wing’s historical context, the qualities that made him a pioneer and driving force for modernization, his evolving views on reform within the Qing Dynasty, and his intellectual characteristics – rationality, independence, and a forward-looking vision.

提起容闳，人们自然会想起“留学生之父”这个名称。这个名称，容闳确实当之无愧。但是，这个冠名却掩盖了他在其他方面的重要意义。

一部风起云涌的中国近代史，几乎就是一幕幕你死我活的民族、阶级间的生死大搏斗，刀光剑影，险象环生。在这充满血与火的历史舞台上，无论“进步”还是“反动”、肯定还是否定、赞扬还是批判，人们的目光自然容易长期“聚焦”于林则徐、洪秀全、杨秀清、曾国藩、左宗棠、李鸿章、张之洞、康有为、梁启超、谭嗣同、慈禧、袁世凯、孙中山、黄兴……这些叱咤风云的人物。不过，他们都是某一历史阶段的“主角”，而未能参与近代史的“全程”。而远非风云人物的容闳，却是唯一“全程”参与近代史的幸运者。容闳被称为中国近代“留学之父”或“新式教育”的催生者，其实，他的贡献远不止于教育领域。而他的一生，不仅像镜子一样映照了近代中国的历史走向，且有迥异他人的独特意义。深刻了解容闳，对近中国的历史和命运的理解就更加深刻。

容闳1854年从耶鲁大学毕业，至此170周年。为纪念中国留学史上的这个重要日子，并进一步了解容闳在中国现代史上扮演的角色，华美人文学会特邀容闳研究专家雷颐教授于美东时间6月8日晚8时至9时半（北京时间6月9日早8时至9时半做《容闳：中国现代知识分子第一人》专题讲座。雷教授在讲座中将探讨容闳出现的历史背景、他成为中国现代化当之无愧的先驱人物和重要推动者所具备的条件、容闳从寄希望于清王朝逐步走向革命的过程，以及他的理性、独立性和超越性。

China Institute’s cultural programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

The post Yung Wing: The First Modern Intellectual of China appeared first on China Institute.

Beginning her illustrious career as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Sabah, Malaysia, in 1964, Ambassador Bloch’s journey has taken her from the corridors of government to the boardrooms of corporate America, and eventually to the non-profit sphere with a focus on China. Her remarkable trajectory includes serving as U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Nepal (1989-1993) and holding key positions at the U.S. Agency for International Development, the U.S. Information Agency, the US-Japan Foundation, and the Bank of America, before becoming founding president of the US-China Education Trust.

At our event, Ambassador Bloch will delve into the extraordinary life and achievements of her father, F. Y. Chang (1890-1983). After graduating from Harvard College in 1914, Chang made history as the first Boxer Indemnity Scholar to graduate from Harvard Law School in 1917, setting the stage for a career marked by innovation and leadership. From his pioneering role as China’s first Director General of the National Customs Administration to his advocacy for education and passion for art, F. Y. Chang’s legacy is one of enduring significance. Ambassador Bloch and her husband established the F.Y. Chang Foundation in 1988 to honor her father’s memory.

In addition to exploring her father’s journey, Ambassador Bloch will offer insights into the current state of US-China educational exchanges. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear Ambassador Bloch’s captivating narrative on F. Y. Chang’s remarkable journey and gain valuable insights into the evolving landscape of US-China educational exchange. Join us for an afternoon of reflection, enlightenment, and celebration of a visionary leader whose legacy continues to inspire generations.

20世纪早期的哈佛大学校园里，中国留学生可谓群星璀璨。吴宓、赵元任、汤用彤、陈寅恪、梁实秋、梁思成、林语堂等已是中国近代史上家喻户晓的名字。名扬四海的法学家、政治家、外交家张福运是他们中的另一位杰出代表。

张福运1890 年出生于山东福山（今烟台）。1910年考取清华庚款留美预备班。1911年入美国哈佛大学，成为历史上首位就读于哈佛大学法学院的中国人。1914年，张福运以优异的成绩获得文学学士学位，并于三年后毕业于哈佛法学院。

归国后，他先在北京大学教国际法，后到北京政府交通部和外交部工作，历任交通部航政司司长等职务。1922年至1925年，任北京交通大学校长。1927年，他应校友、国民政府财政部部长宋子文的邀请，任国民政府首任海关总署署长兼国定税则委员会委员长。在从外国收回海关主权以及保留中国海关独立的问题上发挥了至关重要的作用。此后，曾任联合国大会中国代表团的法律与经济委员会代表。后重任国民政府海关总署署长兼国定税则委员会委员长。1949年，作为中华民国最受尊重的政府官员之一，张福运先生移居美国。两年后，家人和其在美国团聚。之后，他在美国旧金山度过了30多年的时光。他有关中国艺术和书法的收藏远近闻名。他对中国的传统文化有着深刻的理解和鉴赏。

为缅怀张福运先生和追溯他在法学、政治、外交、教育、艺术诸方面的卓越成就，纽约华美人文学会、哥伦比亚大学中国教育研究中心和设在华盛顿的美中教育基金特邀张福运先生的女儿张之香（Julia Chang Bloch） 大使于5月18日下午3时至4时半在哥大做专题讲座，介绍她父亲的非凡一生并讨论中美教育交流的现状。

张之香出生于中国，9岁时来到美国。1964年获加州大学伯克利分校通信和公共政策学士学位，1967年获哈佛大学政府和东亚地区研究硕士学位。1986年，被授予美国东北大学人文文学荣誉博士学位。

张之香 1989年出任美国驻尼泊尔王国大使，成为美国历史上首位出任该级别职务的亚裔美国人。出任大使前，张之香任美国国际开发署（USAIC）“粮食促进和平与自愿援助”助理署长，并担任主管亚洲和近东事务的助理署长，这些职位都由总统任命并通过参议院的认可。她还担任过参议院特别委员会的首席少数派法律顾问、参议院专业工作人员、美国新闻局非洲事务办公室副主任、哈佛大学肯尼迪政府学院政治研究所研究员，以及哈佛国际事务中心美日关系项目副研究员。

在政府部门工作25年后，张大使于1993年转至金融界，任美国银行集团执行副总裁。1996年至1998年，张大使投身慈善事业，担任资产达1亿美元的美国-日本基金会总裁兼首席执行官。1998年开始, 张大使将关注重点转向中国。她先担任北京大学国际关系研究所客座教授和美国研究中心的执行副主席，后加入上海复旦大学以及美国马里兰大学全球中国事务研究所。张之香大使曾获无数奖项，出版物包括: Women and Diplomacy, Bonds Across Borders, Nepal: End of Shangri-la, America’s Love-Hate Relationship with China, Commercial Diplomacy, Living with China: US-China Relations in the 21st Century, Japanese Foreign Aid and the Politics of Burden Sharing。

1988年张之香大使夫妇创立张福运基金会，以纪念父亲并支持中美教育交流，此后又创立中美教育基金（US-China Education Trust）并担任主席, 致力于为下一代领袖提供教育与交流机会以促进中美关系。

China Institute’s cultural programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

The post A Father’s Legacy: Trailblazers in Diplomacy and International Education <br><small>Remarks of Ambassador Julia Chang Bloch</small> appeared first on China Institute.

A scholar of immense influence, Wang Guowei (1877-1927) was a pioneer in the field of Chinese studies and a bridge between Chinese and Western aesthetics. His scholarly achievements spanned literature, aesthetics, history, philosophy, ancient texts, and archaeology. Fluent in English, German, and Japanese, his unique approach to studying the Chinese theater with Western literary theories made him a trailblazer. Wang Guowei’s vast academic legacy includes over 60 works, immensely enriching the cultural treasure trove of China.

A prominent figure in modern Chinese poetry, Xu Zhimo (1897-1931) advocated for new poetic forms and co-founded the famous Crescent Moon Society. His influential works, such as ” Saying Goodbye to Cambridge Again” and “A Night in Florence” have left a lasting impact in the annals of modern Chinese poetry. Beyond his literary contributions, Xu Zhimo was a dedicated social activist who actively promoted cultural exchange, hosting Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore during his visit to China in 1924 and traveling extensively throughout Europe and America.

Born Louis Cha, Jin Yong (1924-2018) was a renowned writer and scholar who achieved international acclaim under his pen name. A graduate with a Master’s and PhD in philosophy from Cambridge University, Jin Yong was also a successful journalist and social activist. However, his most celebrated achievements lie in the realm of wuxia (martial arts) fiction. He authored 15 captivating wuxia novels, including The Book and the Sword and Legends of Condor Heroes, which have been adapted into numerous movies and television series, captivating audiences worldwide. Jin Yong’s influence extends beyond language barriers, with his works translated into English, Japanese, French, and many other languages. His contributions were recognized with prestigious awards, including the Grand Bauhinia Medal, Hong Kong’s highest honor, and the French Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters. In 2001, an asteroid was even named “Jin Yong” by the International Astronomical Union in his honor.

In this lecture, Mr. Liu Peiliang, a cultural and historical expert hailing from Haining, will delve into the lives of these three literary masters and explore their profound contributions to Chinese literature, history, and society.

位于中国浙江北部的海宁，是著名的江南水乡，也是一座人文荟萃之地。这片古老的土地孕育了众多杰出的历史人物，为中国近代史留下了浓墨重彩的篇章。王国维、徐志摩、金庸、蒋百里、穆旦、钱君匋、徐邦达、沙可夫、赵万里、沈鸿这些家喻户晓的名字，都是海宁的儿女。

华美人文学会于美东时间4月13日晚8时至9时半（北京时间4月14日早8时至9时半）特邀海宁文史专家刘培良做《海宁三杰》在线讲座，介绍海宁最有名的三位文化名人王国维、徐志摩和金庸。

王国维（1877年12月3日—1927年6月2日），浙江海宁人，字静安，又字伯隅，晚号观堂。国学大师，是中国新学术的开拓者，连接中西美学的大家，在文学、美学、史学、哲学、古文字、考古学等领域成就卓著。他精通英文、德文、日文，使他在研究宋元戏曲史时独树一帜，成为用西方文学原理批评中国旧文学的第一人。曾与梁启超、陈寅恪和赵元任一起号称清华国学研究院的“四大导师”。陈寅恪认为王国维的学术成就“几若无涯岸之可望、辙迹之可寻”。

著有《海宁王静安先生遗书》《红楼梦评论》《宋元戏曲考》《人间词话》《观堂集林》《古史新证》《曲录》《殷周制度论》《流沙坠简》等62种，为中华民族文化宝库留下了广博精深的学术遗产。

徐志摩（1897年1月15日—1931年11月19日），浙江海宁人，原名章垿，字槱森，是中国现代诗人、作家、散文家。徐志摩是中国现代诗歌的代表人物，他倡导新诗格律，组建新月诗派，创作发表了《再别康桥》《翡冷翠的一夜》等一大批有影响力的作品，对中国新诗的发展做出了重要贡献。同时，徐志摩还是一位重要的社会活动家，曾多次接待印度诗人泰戈尔来华访问，并游历英、美等多国，推动国际文化交流，为中国的翻译事业做出了很大贡献。作品有《志摩的诗》《猛虎集》《翡冷翠的一夜》《落叶》《巴黎的鳞爪》《卞昆冈》《曼殊斐尔小说集》

金庸（1924年3月10日—2018年10月30日），本名查良镛，浙江海宁人，英国剑桥大学哲学硕士、博士，是著名的新闻工作者和社会活动家，也是蜚声世界文坛的作家和学者。金庸毕生从事新闻工作，是华人世界中卓有成效的报人、企业家，也是蜚声海内外的著名武侠小说作者，著有《书剑恩仇录》《射雕英雄传》等15部武侠小说，其武侠小说每一部都被多次改编成电影和电视剧，并有英、日、法等多种译文，在全球广为传播。金庸一生获颁多项荣衔，包括香港特别行政区最高荣誉“大紫荆勋章”、法国“艺术与文学高级骑士勋章”等。2001年，国际天文学联合会以“金庸星”命名一颗小行星。

China Institute’s cultural programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

The post The Three Literary Giants of Haining: Wang Guowei, Xu Zhimo and Jin Yong appeared first on China Institute.