标签： Asia

Confucianism has long served as a cultural and intellectual bridge between China and South Korea, fostering a shared heritage that transcends centuries. This enduring connection is exemplified by the life and works of Choe Chi-won, a Korean poet and scholar who lived during the late Unified Silla period (668-935). Choe, known in China as Cui Zhiyuan, spent significant years in China’s Tang Dynasty (618-907), where he mastered classical Chinese and earned the prestigious jinshi degree, the highest level of the imperial civil service exams. His poetry, written in classical Chinese, reflects a deep emotional and intellectual bond with both cultures. Choe’s influence extended beyond literature; he sought to reform the declining Silla kingdom by advocating for Confucian principles such as meritocracy, monarchical strength, and ethical governance. Although his reforms were largely ignored, his legacy shaped the Confucian bureaucratic traditions of subsequent Korean dynasties, including Goryeo (918-1392) and Joseon (1392-1910). The Gwageo system, introduced by Goryeo and modeled after China’s imperial examinations, further solidified this cultural exchange. Today, Confucianism continues to symbolize the profound intellectual and artistic affinity between China and South Korea, as evidenced by events like the Confucian ritual at Seoul’s Jongmyo Shrine, a tribute to the Joseon Dynasty’s royal ancestors.

In a significant cultural milestone, Quanzhou in Fujian Province and Wuxi in Jiangsu Province have been officially inducted into the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. Quanzhou has been designated as a ‘City of Gastronomy,’ while Wuxi has earned the title of ‘City of Music.’ This recognition underscores their commitment to leveraging creativity as a cornerstone for sustainable urban development and their active engagement in enriching cultural life. With this addition, the number of Chinese cities in the network has now reached 20, joining prominent metropolises like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. This year, a total of 58 cities worldwide were welcomed into the network, selected through a stringent process that includes national recommendations and international evaluations. The UNESCO Creative Cities Network, a flagship cultural initiative, spans eight creative fields and operates alongside other UNESCO programs focused on World Heritage and Intangible Cultural Heritage. The network’s biennial designation process highlights the global importance of fostering creativity in urban planning and cultural preservation.

At the tender age of 10, I stumbled upon a revelation that reshaped my understanding of my family. My grandfather’s weathered toolbox, long thought to be a repository of mundane tools, was in fact a treasure trove of missile craftsmanship. My father’s frequent absent-mindedness, often a source of family jest, was revealed to be the byproduct of his relentless dedication to aerospace research. These two unassuming men in my household, who had always been pillars of quiet strength, were in truth the unsung heroes illuminating the cosmos. Their stories, etched in the celestial tapestry of our nation, are a testament to the extraordinary contributions of ordinary individuals. To all such silent superheroes, we extend our deepest salute — your legacy is forever intertwined with the starry river of our motherland.