Par Excellence: The First CUHK – CUHK(SZ) Forum on Chinese Studies was held at CUHK(SZ) on 20 April, 2024. Organised by the Chinese Studies Division of the School of Humanities and Social Science (HSS) of CUHK(SZ) and the Department of Chinese Language and Literature of CUHK, the Forum was one of the activities celebrating the 10th anniversary of CUHK(SZ). There were 7 individual oral presentations and 6 poster presentations given by postgraduate students, and on-site comments provided by 14 professors.

The opening ceremony was hosted by Professor Jin Jia from CUHK(SZ). Professor Chen Jie, Associate Dean of HSS, delivered the opening speech for the Forum, extending a warm welcome to all the guests on behalf of the HSS.

Then, Professor Tang Sze-wing, Chair of the Department of Chinese Language and Literature at CUHK, gave a speech expressing the hope that the two campuses can strengthen cooperation and academic exchange, and promote the sustainable development of Chinese language and literature.

Three presentations in the morning focused on Classical Chinese Literature and Classical Chinese Texts.

• Yim Shui-bun from CUHK gave a presentation titled “ ‘Shiyilaozi Tianxia Jue, Tan Shi Ai Shan Wu Shi Qing’ : Chen Yan’s Identity Construction and Establishment in the Tongguang School (1898-1916)”.
• Cao Zhe from CUHK(SZ) gave a presentation titled “From ‘the History of Poems’ to ‘the History of Heart’: Reconciliation of the ‘Divided Self’ Mentality in Wu Weiye’s Poetry Practice”.
• Chan Chun-fai from CUHK presented “Exploring the Fundamental Questions of ‘Nature’ in The Analects”.

During the tea break, professors and students exchanged ideas about the poster presentations.

Six poster presentations include: “ On Discovery and Repression of Modern Children: A Case Study of Kidworld” by Wang Nga-ching (CUHK) and “Female Writing in Turbulent Times: Exploring Su Qing’s Concern towards Women during the Japanese Occupation through the Lens of Heaven and Earth ” by Wang Nga-sze (CUHK).“Comparison of the Characters of Hongniang and Xiren: With a Discussion of the Identity Dilemma and Recognition of the Maids ” by Liang Yan (CUHK(SZ)); “How Could Plum Blossoms Bear the Regret, Blooming Afar and Alone?—A Commentary on Li Shangyin’s Three Poems on Plum Blossoms ” by Sheng Minghan (CUHK(SZ)); “Worldly Odyssey and Foreign Imagination: With a Discussion of the Creative Consciousness in The Assassin Centred on Alienation ” by Wang Yudi (CUHK(SZ)); and “Xiao Tong or Xiao Tong?—An Investigation of Using ‘肖’ instead of ‘蕭’” by Wang Ziyi (CUHK(SZ)).

Four presentations in the afternoon focused on modern and contemporary Chinese literature.

• Miao Yumeng from CUHK(SZ) presented “Lights and Shadows in Flux: On the Manifestation of I Ching Imagery in Chinese-language Cinema”.
• Liang Beining from CUHK(SZ) gave a report titled “Literary Montage: Flowing Words and Light—Exploring the Cinematic Sense of Liu Yichang’s Novels with The Drunkard as an Example”.
• Zou Lilei from CUHK presented on “Literary Features of Jing School in Ta Kung Pao Literary Supplement: A Case Study of Shen Congwen’s Works Published in Ta Kung Pao Literary Supplement (1933-1935)”.
• The theme of the presentation by Yang Zhouzi from CUHK(SZ) was “Unreachable Homeland: Investigating the oracle bone script in Huang Jinshu’s novels”.

During the Q&A session, professors commented on the reports and offered specific suggestions. Other participants also actively joined the heated discussions, proposing creative opinions about the content they were familiar with.

Finally, Professor Xing Wen, coordinator of the Master of Arts in Chinese Language and Literature programme at CUHK(SZ), addressed the participants in the closing ceremony. He spoke about his experience of participating in the Forum and extended gratitude for the support and cooperation from all the facility staff, teachers and students of both campuses during the preparatory process, expressing sincere expectations for the next forum.

After the Forum, teachers and students visited the University Library, Diligentia College, and Fairy Lake.