In 1926, Chinese writer Lu Xun traveled south to teach and write at Xiamen University. Though he stayed for just over 100 days, his works and ideas have left a lasting mark on the campus and generations of readers.
To mark the centenary of his teaching at the university, Xiamen University hosted an international symposium on Lu Xun and the preservation and innovation of Chinese culture, bringing together scholars and young researchers from different countries to revisit his writings and explore their relevance today.
Lu Xun's works, including Diary of a Madman, The True Story of Ah Q, and My Old Home, reached Korean readers through translations decades ago. Korean scholars at the symposium reflected on his enduring appeal, from his sharp criticism of society to his call for self-examination.
His writings also offer lessons for young people today. As one scholar noted, meaningful social change begins with small things in everyday life, while critical thinking helps young people understand the world around them.
A century after Lu Xun taught at Xiamen University, his legacy continues to inspire new interpretations and cross-border dialogue, keeping his ideas alive on the campus where he once worked.
