Entertainment · Books & Arts · 11 hrs ago
Taiwan-born scholar Tai Jingnong remembered at event in Anhui
Scholars from both sides of the Taiwan Strait gathered in Anhui to remember Tai Jingnong at an event marking 80 years since he moved to Taiwan.
Tai was a writer and scholar from what is now Yeji District in Anhui, and he went to Taiwan in 1946 at the invitation of Xu Shoushang.
Japanese colonial rule had left many students with little foundation in Chinese, and educators were working to restore Chinese-language teaching after the war.
In 1948, Tai became head of National Taiwan University's Chinese department, where he prepared teaching materials, taught Chinese literature and recruited scholars.
His home study, known as Xiejingzhai, also became a place where students gathered to discuss history, literature and art.
Former students say his teaching and support helped build an open and inclusive academic culture and shaped generations of scholars.
The gathering in his hometown brought together scholars to reflect on his role in Chinese education and cultural links across the strait.
A gathering commemorating scholar Tai Jingnong’s move to Taiwan 80 years ago was held in his hometown in Anhui from October 23 to 25.
Participants recalled his role in strengthening Chinese-language education and nurturing generations of scholars in Taiwan.
Tai, who was born in Anhui, went to Taiwan in 1946 and later led National Taiwan University’s Chinese department for more than 20 years.
The event took place in Yeji district, Lu’an, and included visits to a memorial hall and an exhibition of Tai’s writings.
- Who
- Scholars from both sides of the Taiwan Strait gathered to remember Tai Jingnong.
- What
- They held an exchange event marking 80 years since Tai went to Taiwan.
- When
- October 23 to 25. The article was published on October 25, 2026.
- Where
- Yeji district, Lu’an, Anhui province, Tai’s hometown.
- Why
- To commemorate Tai’s move to Taiwan and recall his contribution to Chinese-language education and cultural ties.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Tai Jingnong pursued modern literature with Lu Xun and became a core member of the Weiming Society.
Tai went to Taiwan at the invitation of Xu Shoushang.
Tai took over as head of National Taiwan University’s Chinese department.
The commemorative exchange event was held in Yeji district, Lu’an.
- Event dates
- October 23–25
- Event location
- Yeji district, Lu’an, Anhui province
- Tai’s move to Taiwan
- 1946
- Department leadership
- Head of National Taiwan University’s Chinese department for more than 20 years
- Commemoration
- 80 years since Tai went to Taiwan
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What people are saying
At that time, Taiwan’s biggest problem was a language disconnect—the schools had promoted Japanese during the period of Japanese rule, and students’ foundations in Chinese were almost zero.
Tai Jingnong laid the foundation for the free, lively and inclusive academic style of National Taiwan University’s Chinese department.
These mainland scholars who went to Taiwan to promote education are a witness and a link to the shared cultural heritage across the Taiwan Strait.