Huxiang Culture’s Enduring Legacy Through the Ages

A photo taken on June 16, 2024 shows the Yueyang Tower in Yueyang, Hunan Province. [Xinhua]

Hunan Province, situated in the basin of the middle reaches of the Yangtze River in Central China, stands as one of the important cradles of Chinese civilization. This land gave rise to rice farming culture, bronze ritual vessel culture, and Huxiang culture – a culture that emphasizes the practical application of knowledge in state governance and management of social affairs, advocates openness and inclusiveness, shows concern for the welfare of the people, and promotes the pioneering spirit.

General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out that its long-standing historical culture, profound revolutionary culture, and dynamic modern culture are rich resources and a solid foundation for Hunan to enhance its cultural soft power. He underlined the need for Huxiang culture to achieve new development and take on a new look in the new era. This article delves into Huxiang culture, exploring how ancient wisdom has evolved into a powerful force driving progress today.

Huxiang culture is a regional culture of Hunan, centered on the Dongting Lake and the Xiangjiang River basin. Academically, Huxiang culture has its intellectual roots in the Confucianism of the Central Plains – the political, economic, and cultural center of Chinese civilization for a large part of Chinese history. From the perspective of social psychology, the main sources stem from indigenous cultural traditions such as local customs, folklore, and psychological features. These two distinct cultures have been fused to form the unique Huxiang culture.

Dragon boat teams compete during a race in Fenghuang Ancient Town, Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan Province, May 31, 2025. [Xinhua]

Originating in present-day Hunan Province, Huxiang culture can be traced back to the Paleolithic era, as evidenced by early human activities in the region. From the Warring States Period (475-221 BC) through the Qin and Han dynasties (221 BC-AD 220), Huxiang culture gradually became part of the mainstream of Chinese culture, contributing to the construction and development of Chinese civilization with its unique features.

Qu Yuan was a statesman-poet of the State of Chu during the Warring States Period, who created the Chu poetic style. Slandered at court in spite of his unwavering loyalty, he drowned himself in the Miluo River in present-day Hunan Province. His noble character earned him recognition as one of the world’s four cultural figures by the World Peace Council in 1953. Jia Yi, an essayist and politician in the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 24), strongly advocated reforms but was exiled to Changsha, Hunan, for four years. His activities and writings had a significant influence on the cultural and economic development of Changsha and Hunan. Their works, imbued with loyalty, patriotism, and devotion to the people, constitute one of the formative sources of Huxiang culture. They laid a spiritual framework marked by dedication to the country and its people and the spirit of daring to be a pioneer.

From the Tang Dynasty (618-907) onward, the integration of Huxiang culture with Central Plains culture accelerated as the country’s economic center shifted southward. Many renowned cultural figures such as Li Bai, Du Fu and Han Yu came to Hunan, creating a vibrant scene of migrant poets and scholars getting together in the region.

During the Song Dynasty (960-1279), the cultural center of China completed its southward shift, and Hunan became a region where Confucianism was regarded as the orthodox tradition. Philosopher Zhou Dunyi pioneered Neo-Confucianism, establishing Hunan as the birthplace of the new school. Zhang Shi, a Neo-Confucian scholar and educator, headed the Yuelu Academy, promoting a pragmatic academic style in the region. The flourishing academy culture in Hunan made it an important cultural and educational center in southern China. The Huxiang academic tradition that emerged in this context had a far-reaching influence on the academic, cultural, educational, and intellectual communities of Hunan throughout the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties (960-1911).

This photo taken on Sept 18, 2025 shows Yuelu Academy at Hunan University in Changsha, Hunan Province. [VCG]

A thinker of the late-Ming and early-Qing dynasties, Wang Fuzhi (also known as Wang Chuanshan) developed a standout, seminal philosophical system. As a great Confucian scholar nurtured at Yuelu Academy, Wang sought to reconstruct the Confucian system according to his motto, “The Six Classics require me to create something new”. He carried out a critical evaluation and summary of Neo-Confucianism prevalent during the Song and Ming dynasties (960-1644), advocating the practical application of learning. His work elevated the theoretical and academic innovation of traditional Chinese philosophy to new heights.

Huxiang culture, embodying a strong sense of responsibility and revolutionary spirit, rose to meet China’s national and social crises in modern times, nurturing a magnificent revolutionary culture and elevating its spiritual strength to a new level.

An aerial photo taken on Aug 23, 2025 shows Orange Isle in Changsha, Hunan Province. [VCG]

After the October Revolution in Russia in 1917, Marxism-Leninism was introduced to China. A large group of progressive youths, represented by figures like Mao Zedong and Cai Hesen, both from Hunan, pioneered the progressive group known as the Xinmin Society, hailed as the “Prelude to the Founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC)”. This group promoted the integration of Marxism-Leninism with the Chinese workers’ movement, establishing Hunan as a cradle of China’s revolution.

In the early 20th century, the young Mao Zedong resided at Yuelu Academy on multiple occasions. Upon opening the window from his dwelling there, he could see a tablet inscribed with the maxim “Seek Truth from Facts”. This tablet left a deep impression on him. In the later years, Mao offered a new interpretation of this maxim in his exploration of China’s revolutionary path, eventually refining it into an important principle at the core of the ideology of the CPC.

A tablet inscribed with the maxim “Seek Truth from Facts” hangs at Yuelu Academy in Changsha, Hunan Province. [VCG]

Hunan is the cradle of China’s revolution. In 1921, Mao Zedong and He Shuheng, representing Hunan, participated in the First CPC National Congress, marking the beginning of the revolutionary struggle of the Hunan people under the leadership of the CPC. In 1927, Mao led the Autumn Harvest Uprising in Hunan, and subsequently led troops to Jinggang Mountains in Jiangxi Province, where he established the first revolutionary base in a rural area, igniting the spark of “the armed independent regime of workers and peasants”.

During the Long March (1934-1936), Red Army soldiers from Hunan were at the forefront of the charge, making great sacrifices for the victory of the revolution. During the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-1945), the Hunan people took active steps to join the army and resist the Japanese invaders, demonstrating the Chinese nation’s indomitable spirit. During the War of Liberation (1946-1949), Hunan was peacefully liberated, ushering in a new era. The profound patriotism, firm conviction, indomitable perseverance and pioneering courage embodied in Huxiang culture have become embedded in the ethos of CPC members.

China’s Huxiang culture is deeply rooted in the country’s historical traditions and forged through revolutionary struggles. It has experienced a collision and integration amid China’s reform and opening up since 1978, and has been revitalized through digital technology. An open, inclusive, innovative, and dynamic cultural form has taken shape. Once an urban village, Hunan’s Malanshan has now transformed into China’s V-Valley, primarily focused on the audio-visual industry. With profound historical significance, Chaozong Street in Changsha, Hunan, has become a trendy destination for young people.

Tourists take photos at the historic and cultural block of Chaozong Street in Changsha, Hunan Province, on Aug 8, 2024. [VCG]

Huxiang culture, endowed with new contemporary value, is becoming an engine driving socioeconomic development, technological progress, and cultural innovation in Hunan.