People from Shanghai, Chongqing, Jiangsu and Anhui provinces gathered in Chongqing to commemorate the 133rd anniversary of Tao Xingzhi’s birth
On October 18th, a significant event was held in Hechuan District, Chongqing, marking the 133rd anniversary of the birth of renowned Chinese educator Tao Xingzhi. This celebration, titled “Walking the Path of Xingzhi Together: Co-Educating Great Minds,” brought together participants from seven districts across four provinces and cities.
Tao Xingzhi is celebrated as a pioneering educator and thinker in China. From 1939 to 1946, he established a nurturing school at the ancient Shengsi Temple in Hechuan, which became a cornerstone of his educational philosophy and practice. This site is often referred to as the birthplace and spiritual home of nurturing education in the country. Over the years, Hechuan District has been dedicated to upholding and promoting the contemporary value of Tao’s educational ideas, successfully cultivating a new generation and educating the broader society.
The event included representatives from various localities that are significant to Tao’s life and career, including Hechuan District and Jiulongpo District in Chongqing, as well as areas from Anhui, Jiangsu, and Shanghai. These places represent the primary locations where Tao grew up, worked, and established schools throughout his life.
During the tribute to Tao Xingzhi, guests from the China Tao Xingzhi Research Association, the Chongqing Education Commission, and other esteemed organizations gathered with community members to honor his profound moral principles and to further propagate, promote, and practice his educational philosophies.
In conjunction with the anniversary, a series of symposiums took place, delving into the spirit and value of educational leadership and discussing strategies to strengthen education in the new era. The theme of the discussions focused on deepening understanding through “Learning from Tao, Reflecting on Tao, Researching Tao, and Practicing Tao,” fostering collaborative educational development across regions. A pairing ceremony was also held to establish partnerships between the “Tao Xingzhi Research Association,” “Tao Xingzhi Memorial Museums,” and various schools, ensuring that these initiatives continue annually each October.
According to officials from the Hechuan District Committee and Government, the intention behind organizing this event is to enhance collaboration among various educational organizations, promote the spirit of education, and contribute significantly to providing quality education that satisfies the public.
As a significant hub for Tao Xingzhi’s educational philosophies, Hechuan aims to focus on building a new framework for practicing these ideals through comprehensive teacher training programs and establishing a “Xingzhi Education Community” in the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle, with aspirations to transform Hechuan into a benchmark city for Xingzhi’s educational vision.
