Books nourish the soul, and reading illuminates life. The 15th Liaoning National Reading Festival recently kicked off grandly. At this cultural gala, Yu Miaojie, President of Liaoning University, made a splendid appearance with the treasured collection of the University Library, sharing the beauty of reading. The event featured profound cultural heritage, the vibrant spirit of young students from Liaoning University, as well as countless heartwarming and soothing moments.
Rare Library Exclusive on Show, Savour the Timeless Charm of Ancient Classics
At the “Treasure Sharing” session of the Reading Festival, President Yu Miaojie unveiled the mystery of the crown jewel collection of Liaoning University Library and wholeheartedly recommended books to young students.
Zhang Ming: Liaoning boasts profound historical and cultural resources, yet many precious ancient books and documents remain little known to the public. Today, three experts and scholars will present Liaoning’s cultural treasures. Let us welcome our first guest for the “Treasure Showcase” — President Yu Miaojie of Liaoning University. Hello, President Yu! A warm welcome to you.
Yu Miaojie: Hello, host. Hello everyone. I’m Yu Miaojie.
Zhang Ming: President Yu is a familiar face at our National Reading Festival. Before presenting your treasure, could you briefly introduce Liaoning University and its prestigious library to us?
Yu Miaojie: Certainly. Liaoning University is the only provincial university listed in China’s Double First-Class Initiative. Over its 78 years of development, the university has grown into a comprehensive institution covering a full range of disciplines including arts, history, philosophy, economics, management, law, science, engineering, medicine and art.
Founded in 1948, Liaoning University Library is a national and provincial key preservation unit of ancient books. With a total building area of 40,000 square meters, it serves as a vital platform for the collection, preservation and research of ancient documents. At present, the library houses over 7,000 categories of ancient books, amounting to 140,000 volumes, making it an important literature resource base for the research of Qing Dynasty history and Manchu culture in the Liaoshen region.
Zhang Ming: With such a wealth of precious ancient books, which one would you recommend today, President Yu?
Yu Miaojie: Today, I am honored to recommend the crown treasure of Liaoning University Library — Essentials of Mukden Scenery and Relics, a unique extant copy rarely seen nationwide.
Elegantly bound, the book is handwritten in standard Palace Academy Calligraphy, with red ink punctuation and markings throughout. It bears the imperial seal Treasure Inspected by Emperor Qianlong, possessing extremely high historical and research value.
Completed in the early reign of Emperor Qianlong in the Qing Dynasty, the book was compiled and transcribed by Li Zongwan, a renowned literary official and painter-calligrapher of the imperial court. It was a personal companion reading for Emperor Qianlong during his second eastern inspection tour.
Consisting of twelve volumes in total, it records the geographical layout, mountains and rivers, local products, historical figures and famous poems and essays of Mukden in the Qing Dynasty. More valuably, it fully includes 341 poems composed by Emperor Qianlong during his first eastern inspection tour.
This ancient book vividly reproduces the historical landscape of Northeast China in the Qing Dynasty, provides numerous rare historical materials, and fills gaps in the research of Qing imperial history and culture. The preservation and study of this classic also embodies Liaoning University’s commitment to inheriting and safeguarding historical cultural heritage.
Zhang Ming: Thank you for your detailed introduction, President Yu. Appreciating the charm of ancient classics makes us better understand the significance of reading. Could you share Liaoning University’s experience and practices in building a campus culture immersed in the fragrance of books?
Yu Miaojie: General Secretary encouraged us to love reading, read good books, and read proficiently. Liaoning University has thoroughly implemented this important spirit. We regularly hold a variety of reading activities on campus, among which the flagship initiative is the series event: Hundreds of Professors Recommend Masterpieces, Tens of Thousands of Students Read Good Books.
I would like to take this opportunity to recommend a book — Zhejiang New Commentaries by General Secretary. The book collects 232 articles published in Zhejiang Daily during his tenure as Secretary of the Zhejiang Provincial Party Committee. Every piece is a classic, offering profound enlightenment to readers.
One essay titled A Official’s Reputation Is Judged After Leaving Office; Public Will Speaks in Casual Talks teaches us to uphold a correct view of political achievements: to treat personal career advancement with a calm mind, and to pursue undertakings with a proactive spirit.
For anyone holding public office or devoting oneself to a lifelong career, the most important thing is to closely integrate personal growth with national development and the progress of the times. We should contribute our due share to national rejuvenation through our own efforts and deeds.
Zhang Ming: Thank you, President Yu, for your profound and accessible sharing, which is truly inspiring and rewarding. We hope more young people can grow and fulfill their potential through reading, living up to their youth and the great era. Please take a seat and rest for a while.
Youth in Full Bloom, Showcasing the Elegance of Liaoning University Students
The beauty of classics endures through time; the vitality of youth brims with spirit. At the event, attendees were treated to wise teachings from distinguished scholars. Students from the School of Art, Liaoning University, were also invited to the stage and delivered spectacular performances. With boundless enthusiasm and vivid artistic expression, they showcased the distinctive youthful charm of LNU students to audiences across the province.
Warm Moments: A Soothing Encounter Between Youth and Book Fragrance
As the camera pans over, a touching scene unfolds among the audience. Reporters from Liaoning TV have captured one of the most heartwarming and inspiring moments of the Reading Festival.
