Tracing Zhu Xi’s Filial Culture, Youth Empower Rural Revitalization in Zhenghe

    From July 7 to July 9, the "Promoting Education through Zhu Xi's Culture of Filial Piety" Social Practice Team from the College of Landscape Architecture and Art, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University (FAFU) carried out a summer social practice program in Zhenghe County, Nanping City, Fujian Province. Centered on the theme of "Exploring Zhu Xi's Culture of Filial Piety and Promoting Cultural Heritage and Rural Revitalization," the team delved into the rich legacy of Zhu Xi's philosophy, investigated local industrial development, and gained a deeper appreciation of the contemporary significance of China's outstanding traditional culture through cultural exploration and grassroots practice.

    Following the historical footsteps of Zhu Xi, the team visited the Zhu Xi Filial Piety Museum and Donggao Academy, where they engaged in site visits and academic exchanges to learn about the historical origins and philosophical essence of Zhu Xi's teachings and the traditional culture of filial piety. Through these activities, the students developed a deeper understanding of the traditional Chinese values of moral integrity, propriety, filial devotion, and respect for elders.

Fig1. Members of the practice team listen attentively to an introduction at the Zhu Xi Filial Piety Museum.（Photo provided by Cai Jing）

     At the same time, the team closely integrated cultural research with industrial fieldwork by taking advantage of Zhenghe's unique local resources. They visited the Zhenghe White Tea Museum and Longhe Tea Academy, where they systematically explored the history of Zhenghe white tea, traditional tea-processing techniques, and the integrated development model combining tea production, culture, and tourism. These visits enabled the students to gain firsthand insight into the vital role of the white tea industry in preserving cultural heritage, revitalizing local industries, and increasing rural incomes.

Fig2. Group photo of the practice team in front of the Zhenghe White Tea Museum.(Photo by Chen Yizhen)

Fig3. Members of the practice team visit Longhe Tea Academy.(Photo provided by Lian Yule)

    In addition, the team conducted research at the Zhenghe Museum and the Fujian–Taiwan Youth Digital Culture IP Center, further exploring Zhenghe's historical heritage, ecological resources, and innovative digital cultural initiatives. These visits provided a comprehensive understanding of the county's achievements in fostering development through cultural enrichment, industrial empowerment, and innovation-driven growth.

Fig4. Group photo of the practice team at the Fujian–Taiwan Youth Digital Culture IP Center.（Photo provided by Cai Jing）

    This social practice program was not only a journey to trace Zhu Xi's cultural legacy and appreciate the enduring value of traditional Chinese culture, but also a practical lesson in serving local communities and contributing to rural revitalization. Team members expressed that this experience had strengthened their confidence in Chinese culture and inspired them to make full use of their academic expertise. They pledged to continue exploring innovative ways to empower rural revitalization through culture, contribute to the preservation and development of China's outstanding traditional culture, and devote their youthful passion and professional knowledge to advancing all-around rural revitalization.

(Correspondents：Cai Zhengyi, Yang Xiaoyu,Chen Yizhen, Wang Luxiang, and Chen Jiemin)