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Lu Xun (first from left) speaks with young woodcut artists despite his illness on Oct 8, 1936. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

A lecture held in Shaoxing, East China's Zhejiang province, on Aug 31 offered renewed insight into the lasting influence of Lu Xun, one of China's most iconic 20th-century writers, and his deep cultural ties to the city.

Zhuo Guangping, an associate professor at Shaoxing University, led the lecture and presented more than 100 images that explored lesser-known aspects of Lu Xun's life and legacy.

Zhuo said Lu Xun represents more than literary achievement — he embodies the cultural soul of Shaoxing. While often remembered as a serious intellectual, the lecture highlighted his fondness for tea, sweets, and cinema, as well as his design of Peking University's emblem. These details, Zhuo noted, portray a more relatable figure still held in affection by the public.

Lu Xun's independent character, Zhuo argued, echoes Shaoxing's danjian spirit — a local ethos of courage and integrity. His writing reflects the city's long-standing intellectual tradition, while his support for revolutionary youth connects to Shaoxing's modern political legacy.

Audience members said the lecture gave new depth to widely taught works such as The New Year's Sacrifice and Kong Yiji, helping them see familiar texts through a more personal and cultural lens. Some suggested enhancing Lu Xun-related cultural spaces, such as Luxun Native Place, with installations that reflect his everyday life.

"Through the cultural symbol of Lu Xun," Zhuo concluded, "Shaoxing presents its unique charm to the nation and the world."