On October 12, at Fudan University, the inaugural National College Student Book Collection Story Competition concluded, featuring dramatic tales of Dunhuang’s Cave of Scriptures, the literary collection of Ming Dynasty scholar Wang Shizhen, and the preservation of ancient texts at Ningbo’s Tianyi Pavilion. Ten outstanding student teams competed in the finals.
Organized by the National Center for the Protection of Ancient Books, in collaboration with Fudan University’s library and several cultural research institutes, the event was described as a celebration of book collection culture. Participants shared their stories, not only demonstrating their passion for preserving literary heritage but also aiming to inspire a broader appreciation for outstanding elements of Chinese traditional culture. This initiative serves as an important practical exercise in promoting the concept of ancient book preservation throughout society.
Looking ahead, the National Center for the Protection of Ancient Books plans to continue hosting similar events, further advancing the transmission and development of book collection culture and injecting new life into the field of ancient book preservation.
The competition aims to enhance college students’ education in traditional Chinese culture while promoting nationwide reading and the transmission of book collection culture. Since its launch in March, the contest has attracted considerable attention and active participation from undergraduates and graduates across diverse disciplines in universities nationwide. The competition theme, “One Book, One World; One Leaf, One Story,” encouraged entrants to share narratives focused on the cultural significance of book collection. Following rounds of selection, the ten finalist teams captivated the audience with their compelling storytelling and emotional connections to their narratives.
Yang Wenyue, Mei Haoyu, Mai Dongmei, and Yang Yi from Wuhan University and Central China Normal University delved into the poignant history of the Dunhuang Caves with their story titled “In the Winds and Rains of Dunhuang: A Century of Cataloging Experience with the ‘Dunhuang Manuscripts’.”
Zhang Yajing from North China University of Science and Technology shared the preservation story of Ningbo’s ancient Tianyi Pavilion in her presentation, “The Light and Shadow of Ink Scrolls: The Legacy of Tianyi Pavilion.” Meanwhile, Mei Yuan and Gu Jinjia from Nanjing Jinling Institute of Technology explored the world of female book collector Fang Ju in their story, “The Eternal Resonance of Books: Inside the Book Collection of Jiangnan’s Fang Ju.”
Sun Yiming and Wei Yi from Shandong University presented “The Story of the Second Li in Zhangqiao: Book Collection, Heritage, and Modern Reflection,” highlighting the contributions of Li Kaixian from the Ming Dynasty and Li Tingqi from the Qing Dynasty to local literature and book collection.
Fudan University’s team of Wu Shixun, Xu Qing, and Li Yi shared the touching tale of the book-obsessed Ming Dynasty scholar Wang Shizhen in “Wishing to Be a Bookworm: The Story of Wang Shizhen’s Collection.” Additionally, Wang Siqi narrated the inspiring legacy of the Qu family’s five generations of ancient book preservation at Changshu’s Iron String and Bronze Sword Pavilion in her presentation “Harmony of Qins and Swords: The Legendary Collection of the Qu Family.”
A team from Chengdu University of Technology, Sichuan University, and Northwest University of Political Science and Law, including Zeng Yi, Hong Ruoying, and Weng Haoyi, told the story of “Preserving the Memories of Overseas Chinese Letters,” highlighting the bond between young Li Kaihan and overseas Chinese documentary heritage. Wang Yuxuan and Lü Zhuoyan from Hubei University of Engineering led the audience through the captivating journey of bamboo slips in their narrative “A Bamboo Slip’s Autobiography.”
Finally, Deng Haoxian from Northwest University presented “Stone Screen Returns: Chronicles of the Xiuchuan Library,” recounting the establishment, collection, disasters, and restoration efforts of the Xiuchuan Library in Guangdong Province, based on his observational notes. Zhao Yijie, Liu Shujun, and Lu Yunyang from Sichuan University shared the intricate story of “An Encounter Between the Scholarly Virtues of Xujun and Su Xin: The Book Blessings of Huang Pilie and the Dual Perfection of Song Ci.”
