Hainan holds research conference on ancient poet's historical artifacts in Lingao

Hainan held research report conference at Hainan University's International Academic Exchange Center on the newly discovered historical artifacts of the poet, Su Shi, found in Lingao on March 23.

More than 100 experts and scholars in history, cultural relics, archaeology, and historical geography joined the conference both online and offline.

Su Shi (1037-1101), also known as Su Dongpo, of the Song Dynasty (960-1279), is one of the most recognized Chinese cultural icons of all time. His legacy includes his poetry, calligraphy, paintings and his broad influence in several other fields, and his work is celebrated even today.

Su reached the peak of his life with top achievements in both literature and ideology, which made him an outstanding representative of the Chinese culture, according to Chinese experts. In 1097, Su was exiled to Danzhou, a northwestern Hainan island, and spent three years there, leaving behind a vast treasure trove of artifacts for researchers today.

Since July 2022, Hainan's Su Research Association has organized for nearly 20 experts and scholars in the fields of history, culture, cultural relics, and archaeology to collect historical data, sort out artifacts related to Su Shi in Qiongzhou, and analyze the changes of Lingao's ancient post roads.

The association also organized for a group of experts and scholars to conduct a two-day field research trip to trace the historical "footprints" of Su in Lingao county, northern Hainan province, on December 2022.

Li Gongyu, chairman of Hainan's Su Research Association, and He Duan, a special researcher and historical geographer of Hainan's Su Research Association, introduced their preparations for the Lingao investigation project, their investigation processes, and the results of the investigation team.

Su had been a legend even in his own time, and his arrival in Danzhou had a huge effect on the area, kicking off a new cultural era in Hainan.

Hainan holds research report conference on Lingao's historical artifacts related to poet, Su Shi. [Photo/Hainan Daily]