A statue of Wang Yangming stands at the Yangming Native Place in Shaoxing, Zhejiang province. [Photo provided to ezhejiang.gov.cn]

The 2025 Conference on Wang Yangming Mind Philosophy opened in Shaoxing, Zhejiang province, on Oct 31, commemorating the 553rd anniversary of Wang Yangming (1472-1529), one of China's most influential neo-Confucian philosophers.

Nearly 500 participants, including leading scholars and representatives from sites linked to Wang, gathered to explore how his teachings continue to inspire personal growth and social development.

Wang was a Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) statesman, general, and Neo-Confucian philosopher. He developed the Mind Philosophy, which focuses on interpreting the world through self-reflection. His well-known doctrine of the "unity of knowing and acting" asserts that knowledge should drive action, and that action, in turn, actualizes knowledge.

The 2025 Conference on Wang Yangming Mind Philosophy opens in Shaoxing, Zhejiang province, on Oct 31. [Photo provided to ezhejiang.gov.cn]

This year's conference centered on the modern relevance of Wang's ideas and their importance in today's world. Since its inception in 2020, the annual event has developed into a global forum for scholarly discussion and exchange about the philosopher's enduring influence.

The event marked the first modern reenactment of the "Tianquan Lecture" — a historic philosophical discussion held by Wang in 1527 at Tianquan Bridge, now reenacted at the Yangming Native Place scenic area in Shaoxing.

A subforum on "Wang Yangming's Philosophy and Entrepreneurial Spirit" was held at the same location. Participants said they were honored to revisit Wang's birthplace and draw inspiration from his wisdom.

Yang Gang, general manager of Kuaijishan Shaoxing Rice Wine Co, said that Wang's moral philosophy still guides the company's growth. He said that the company's commitment to excellence — ranging from adopting youth-focused branding strategies to developing innovative products — embodies Wang's teachings.

A subforum on "Wang Yangming's Philosophy and Entrepreneurial Spirit" is held at the Yangming Native Place scenic area. [Photo provided to ezhejiang.gov.cn]

Shaoxing, the birthplace and key center of Wang Yangming's philosophy, has promoted education and cultural exchanges inspired by his legacy. The city has allocated about 10 billion yuan ($1.4 billion) towards preserving historic sites and developing immersive cultural experiences.

The Yangming Native Place scenic area now welcomes over 300,000 visitors each year, making it a leading example of culture and tourism integration. 

Driven by the Yangming cultural influence, Shaoxing's economy continues to grow, with its GDP hitting 641.6 billion yuan in the first three quarters of 2025, representing a 6.7 percent increase compared to the previous year.