Nankong, Wuzhou, Zhejiang, returns to Shandong with “rituals” to showcase its ever-lasting cultural heritage

Recently, the Confucius Museum in Qufu, Shandong, teamed up with the Pan’an County People’s Government of Zhejiang Province and the Folk Art Museum of the China Academy of Art to launch an exciting new exhibition called “Endless Life – Wuzhou, Descendants of Confucius, and the Eighteen Rites of Juxi.”

Grounded in cultural anthropology, this exhibition aims to illustrate Confucius’s insightful belief that “when rituals are lost, they may be sought in the countryside.” It highlights the critical role of folk culture in rediscovering the roots of Chinese traditions. By focusing on the “Eighteen Rites of Juxi” and connecting them to regional customs in Wuzhou, the exhibition showcases over 200 works derived from around 30 diverse case studies. The display is organized into three main themes: “Cultural Transmission and Legacy,” “Continuity and Daily Life,” and “Respect and Spirit.” Each theme reveals how outstanding traditional Chinese culture is both inherited and modernized. The summaries of the “Eighteen Rites”—including “loyalty to one’s roots,” “reverence for ancestors,” and “respect for the heavens”—vividly represent the lives and spiritual lineage of Confucius’s descendants in Wuzhou.

The historical journey of these descendants dates back to 1130, during the Southern Song Dynasty, when Kong Duangu, the 48th descendant of Confucius, fled Qufu to escape the Jingkang Incident and eventually settled in Juxi Village, Pan’an County, Zhejiang. This relocation marked the beginning of the preservation and development of the Southern Kong lineage in Wuzhou. Today, more than 30,000 descendants of Confucius from Juxi live in over 91 villages across 10 neighboring counties, creating the largest community of Confucian descendants in Jiangnan. Here, the ideals of farming and learning thrive, and for over 800 years, these families have actively upheld the etiquette culture of the Kong family, which governs rituals, interpersonal relations, and life events such as weddings and funerals. A shining example of this cultural continuity is the Kong family temple, a cherished landmark that remains well-preserved and in active use, showcasing the enduring relevance of traditional culture in rural society.

This exhibition aims to reconnect the stories of the Juxi descendants with their heritage, fostering a deep sense of familial connection and cultural identity. With an innovative exhibition design rooted in cultural anthropology, the event invites visitors on a journey through the picturesque landscapes of Juxi. Utilizing bamboo as a central motif and focusing on the descendants of Confucius, it distills traditional rituals into a seamless blend of natural beauty and cultural spirit. Through this immersive experience, the exhibition aspires to share compelling narratives steeped in Confucian values, underlining the historical continuity and modern evolution of exceptional Chinese traditions while offering audiences a refreshing cultural and artistic experience.

Part of the 2024 China International Confucius Culture Festival and the “Tribute to Confucius – Hundreds of Cultural and Tourism Activities across the Province” series, this captivating exhibition will be open until November 17.