The First National Symposium on Zheng Xuan's Confucian Classics Opens
Liu Yun Meets with Guests

Liu Yun welcomed all the guests and introduced Weifang's economic and social development. He noted that Weifang is the core area of Dongyi culture and a major center of Confucian classics studies during the Han Dynasty, with a long history, profound heritage, and a galaxy of distinguished figures. The holding of the First National Symposium on Zheng Xuan's Confucian Classics represents a concrete practice of studying and implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Culture. It is highly significant for promoting and interpreting Zheng Xuan culture and advancing innovation in Confucian classics research. As Zheng Xuan's hometown, Weifang has always placed great importance on preserving and promoting his cultural legacy, taking concrete actions to achieve the creative transformation and innovative development of China's outstanding traditional culture. Liu Yun expressed hope that the symposium would serve as a platform for deepening academic exchanges, fostering mutual learning, further exploring the historical connotations and contemporary value of Zheng Xuan culture, and contributing more wisdom and energy to enhancing Weifang's influence as the Culture City of East Asia and accelerating the development of a culturally strong city.

At the opening ceremony, Zheng Weili, a representative of Zheng Xuan's descendants, and Chen Bisheng, Dean of the Institute for Chinese Classics Studies at Tsinghua University and President of the Confucian Classics Research Committee of the Chinese Confucian Academy, delivered speeches. A book donation ceremony was also held. During the symposium, experts and scholars conducted academic exchanges on topics including Zheng Xuan's Confucian classics and East Asian culture, the integration of the Six Classics, and the contemporary significance of ritual studies.

Without Confucius and Mencius, the teachings of the Duke of Zhou could not have been passed down; without Zheng Xuan, the teachings of Confucius and Mencius could not have been transmitted. Zheng Xuan, a sage of the Han Dynasty, was the master synthesizer of Confucian classical studies. He devoted his life to annotating all the classics, mastering laws and decrees, and commenting on the Three Rites, thereby opening a new realm in classical studies. His work earned China the reputation of a land of propriety, established a monumental legacy of Confucian culture, and won the praise: "Before the Han Dynasty, one studies the classics; after the Han Dynasty, one studies Zheng Xuan's works."