Renowned historian inspires audience at GBA Cultural Talks

Professor Ge Jianxiong, a respected historian and expert in historical geography, presented a fascinating lecture during the first GBA Cultural Talks event at Mission Hills Dongguan on Saturday.

Drawing in more than 150 attendees, Ge, a distinguished senior professor from Fudan University in Shanghai and director of the library at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, provided deep perspectives on the history of travel and exploration in China.

Ge Jianxiong gives a lecture at the first GBA Cultural Talks event at Mission Hills Dongguan on Saturday. Photo courtesy of the event organizer

Entitled “Past and Present Travel — Xu Xiake’s Fortune and Misfortune,” Ge’s lecture explored the profound impact of travelers such as Xu Xiake (1587-1641) on the development of Chinese cultural heritage.

Attendees from different cities within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), such as Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Huizhou, attentively absorbed the rich historical insights shared by Ge.

He brought up concerns regarding the lack of professional travelers in traditional Chinese society throughout history. He explained that this could be due to influences like Confucian beliefs and the societal emphasis on agriculture rather than leisure activities.

Highlighting the importance of travel as a basic human right, he underscored the contemporary accessibility to global exploration while advocating for a humanistic approach to enhancing spiritual and cultural awareness in today’s fast-evolving world.

Ge, renowned for his expertise in Chinese historical geography, is celebrated for his research on how the changing landscapes of China over centuries have influenced the country’s development.

The GBA Cultural Talks public lecture series, launched by Mission Hills Group, is dedicated to developing culturally significant intellectual properties.

With the support of organizations such as the Shenzhen Literary and Artistic Federation and the Backyard Book Club, the series strives to enrich knowledge and promote cultural exchange. The upcoming sessions, set for July 13 and Aug. 3, will showcase renowned vocal artist Yao Feng and Professor Zheng Peikai, a distinguished expert in literature and history, as guest speakers.