The Essence of Wu-Yue Culture: a Legacy of Prosperity and Innovation in Jiangsu and Zhejiang

Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces, located on China's eastern coast, have long been celebrated for their prosperity, openness, and cultural richness. This legacy traces back to the ancient states of Wu and Yue during the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period.

The term "Wu-Yue culture" emerged during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period (907–979 AD), combining the names of the Wu and Yue states. A well-known legend recounts that after his defeat by Wu, King Goujian of Yue endured hardships to avenge his kingdom, ultimately leading to Yue's conquest of Wu. This tale underscores the enduring spirit of the Wu-Yue people.

Following the fall of the Wu and Yue states, the region gradually integrated into the Central Plains culture. The completion of the Grand Canal during the Tang Dynasty shifted China's economic centre southward, making the Wu-Yue area the nation's wealthiest region. The Wu-Yue state during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period focused on economic development and cultural education, fostering a prosperous and stable society.

From the Tang Dynasty onward, especially after the An Shi Rebellion, many scholars, artists and artisans migrated to the Wu-Yue region. Local merchants valued culture and education, leading to a rich cultural heritage characterized by: agriculture and handicrafts: emphasis on farming and craftsmanship, with coastal trade enhancing economic prosperity; religious harmony: coexistence of Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism, promoting unity and cultural cohesion; community values: strong family and national concepts, fostering political and cultural unity; innovative spirit: locals are known for their intelligence, pragmatism and early development of the civic class and commodity economy in China.

From the Yuan to the Qing Dynasty (13th to early 20th centuries), Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces emphasized economic and cultural endeavours, reaching the peak of Wu-Yue culture. This era produced numerous literary and scientific luminaries.

In contemporary times, the entrepreneurial spirit of the Wu-Yue region has become more concentrated in Shanghai, situated at the eastern tip of the Wu-Yue area, between present-day Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces.

Today, Jiangsu and Zhejiang are among China's top economies, with strong scientific and technological innovation capabilities, high living standards, and vibrant cultures that continue to thrive. These provinces play a crucial role in international exchange, disseminating China's outstanding products and ideas globally through the Pacific Ocean.