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Wang Yangming's former residence. [Photo/Jiefang Daily]

The 2026 Yangming Mind Philosophy Conference will open in Shaoxing, Zhejiang province, on Oct 31. Nearly 400 scholars and representatives from home and abroad will gather in the city to discuss the development of the philosophy.

The conference will feature six thematic sessions, including "Wang Yangming's mind philosophy and the overseas spread of Confucianism" and "Chinese humanistic spirit from Wang Yangming to Lu Xun," focusing on how Wang's philosophy can be adapted to contemporary society.

Since its first edition in 2020, the conference has been held for six consecutive years, and Shaoxing was designated as its permanent venue in 2022.

The choice of Shaoxing is no coincidence. Wang Yangming grew up, attained enlightenment, lectured and was buried in the city. His core ideas — "unity of knowledge and action" — took root, matured and spread from this land. Shaoxing is where Wang lived the longest and left the most relics, and it is recognized as the birthplace, maturation and dissemination center of his philosophy.

In 2020, Shaoxing launched archaeological excavations at the site of Wang's residence, confirming it as the only scientifically excavated residence of Wang Yangming. On Oct 31, 2022, the reconstructed residence opened to the public, preserving about 15 percent of the archaeological remains.