The Shaw Humanities Museum witnessed the successful holding of China’s Etiquette Forum in WHU in October. As the first forum themed etiquette in China, it gathered over 300 participants from political, academic and business circles after its two-year preparation.

Having gained itself strong support from society, this forum was co-sponsored by the China Newspaper Association, the newspaper Today Hubei, the Association for Etiquette of Hubei Province, and the Institute for Arab Studies in WHU. The president of the latter two, Prof. Li Rongjian from WHU’s School of History, is also the organizer of the whole event.

The opening ceremony of the forum

When it comes to the Chinese etiquette, its history is an eternal topic. China has been a land of courtesy since ancient times. Etiquette is not only the precious legacy of Chinese civilization, but also a valuable wealth that deserves to be passed onto the coming generations. In the spirit of etiquette inheritance, this forum aims at providing a platform for academic exchange among masters of Chinese etiquette and a channel to enhance the cooperation between scholars and entrepreneurs so as to achieve the integration of research and cultural industry.

To a national grand meeting like this forum, its hosting in WHU was decided upon careful consideration. As a prestigious university with excellent humanities disciplines, WHU is endowed with a team of influential etiquette masters. The sponsor of this forum, Prof. Li, who is also an outstanding member of this team, is promoting the etiquette education and research in this university, or even the whole nation, with his in-depth knowledge and personal glamour.

Besides the forum, Prof. Li also suggested that the first etiquette museum in China should be established for etiquette education. “Etiquette is the fruit of human wisdom and a symbol of social progress. However, with so many museums out there, an etiquette museum has yet to be seen. Therefore, we are planning to build one in the Hubei Province. In addition to having tangible items on display, such as the traditional Chinese sacrificial vessels, this museum will also include some audio-visual exhibitions.” Prof. Li introduced.

Prof. Li Rongjian talking about his views on etiquette

As an etiquette expert in China, Prof. Li described it as “prosperous and promising” when it came to today’s etiquette culture. He believed that economic development calls for spiritual satisfaction, etiquette culture is therefore in urgent demand. Under governmental support and the joint effort of scholars, the Chinese etiquette culture is expected to achieve prosperity.

(Photo by Shi Weiming, Edited by Edmund Wai Man Lai, Wu Siyin & Hu Sijia)