A commemorative event is held at the square of Wang Yangming's former residence. [Photo/ yynews.com.cn]

Yuyao, a county-level city in Ningbo, is set to welcome scholars from around the world on Oct 30 to discuss the contemporary significance of Wang Yangming's philosophy, highlighting the enduring impact of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) thinker on both Chinese and global thought.

Wang Yangming (1472–1529), a native of Yuyao, is celebrated for pioneering the "Philosophy of Mind", centered on innate moral knowledge and the "unity of knowing and acting". His life combined intellectual insight with practical leadership, from his career and periods of exile to his military strategies that quelled uprisings.

Yuyao preserves Wang's legacy through historic sites that continue to inspire learning. Zhongtian Pavilion, where he lectured, and Yaojiang Academy, founded by his followers, remain central to the city's cultural and educational life. These landmarks connect local history to a philosophy that has resonated for centuries.

In recent years, Wang's ideas have been promoted internationally through literature, performing arts, and creative media. Yueju opera performances abroad, calligraphy exchanges, and exhibitions in Milan demonstrate the philosophy's relevance across cultures.

The upcoming conference will provide a platform for discussion and reflection on Wang's teachings, with Yuyao standing as a bridge between historical tradition and global dialogue, showcasing the lasting influence of Chinese intellectual heritage.