Jao Tsung-I Academy of Sinology

Jao Tsung-I Academy of Sinology

The Chaozhou Jao Tsung-I Academy of Sinology, also known as Yi Yuan, is an important venue showcasing the life, academic achievements, artistic accomplishments, and international academic exchanges of the renowned Chinese sinologist from Chaozhou, Mr. Jao Tsung-I. Nestled inside the Lower Water Gate of Chaozhou’s ancient city, Yi Yuan stands as a prominent cultural landmark in the city.

Located at the foot of the Lower Water Gate in Chaozhou’s ancient city district, the Jao Tsung-I Academy of Sinology is hailed as a place “steeped in scholarly elegance.” Established in November 1993, it was the first academy dedicated to a celebrity from Chaozhou. Covering a land area of over 450 square meters and a construction area of 700 square meters, the academy faces south with its main gate bearing a horizontal plaque inscribed with the name “Jao Tsung-I Academy of Sinology” by Qi Gong, exuding a refined literary charm. The first-floor exhibition hall is themed “Renowned Worldwide, Glorifying the Homeland,” introducing Mr. Jao’s life journey and major academic contributions. The second floor, themed “Ink and Brush Stirring the Art World,” displays his calligraphy and paintings. The third-floor exhibition hall, titled “Jao Tsung-I: A Rare Genius of His Time,” evaluates and presents his academic achievements and scholarly spirit through three aspects: “Vast and Profound Knowledge,” “Pioneering and Guiding,” and “Diligence and Self-Motivation.” The fourth floor houses a small conference hall. Additionally, there is a “Book Nest” for storing collections and a “Selected Hall Reading Room” that recreates the historical environment. In 2006, the Jao Tsung-I Academy of Sinology was rebuilt and officially unveiled at the end of the year. After expansion and renovation, it was transformed into the classic-style “Yi Yuan.” The new building has two floors, divided into three exhibition halls: Jingwei Hall (First Floor), Jingwei Hall (Second Floor), and Hanmo Forest. Jingwei Hall (First Floor) introduces Mr. Jao’s life, while Jingwei Hall (Second Floor) highlights his academic achievements across fourteen research fields. Hanmo Forest is a larger exhibition space spanning two floors, primarily showcasing Mr. Jao’s calligraphy and paintings. With the exception of one enlarged replica of a Guanyin figure, all works are original pieces by Mr. Jao. The academy grounds feature rockeries, fountains, pavilions, trees and flowers, as well as a small lake with freely swimming fish—making it not only a place to learn about Mr. Jao but also a pleasant spot to relax. Mr. Jao Tsung-I, also known by his courtesy names Gu’an and Bolian and his art name Xuantang, was born in 1917 into a scholarly family in Chaozhou. He was the eldest son of Mr. Jao E, a well-known scholar and prominent figure in Chaozhou’s business and financial circles. Gifted and studious from a young age, he continued compiling the Chaozhou Yiwenzhi (Chaozhou Bibliography of Arts and Literature) at just 16 years old and participated in editing the Republican-era Chaozhou Zhi (Chaozhou Chronicles) at 20, serving as one of the chief compilers. Over his more than sixty-year academic career, Mr. Jao was incredibly prolific, mastering a wide range of disciplines including Dunhuang Studies, Oracle Bone Studies, Ci Poetry Studies, History, Bibliography, Chu Ci Studies, Archaeology (Epigraphy), and Calligraphy and Painting. He was proficient in eight languages—including ancient Babylonian and Sanskrit, which are nearly indecipherable even to locals—and solved world-class academic puzzles. He lectured in countries such as the United States, France, Japan, and Singapore. In 1962, he was awarded the Prix Stanislas Julien by the Académie des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres of France for his contributions to sinology. In 1993, he received the insignia of Officer of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres from the French Ministry of Culture and was hailed by the international sinological community as “a master guiding lost paths in sinology.” Holding professorships, research fellowships, and academician titles in sinology from multiple countries around the world, he “enjoys extremely high prestige and broad influence in academia both at home and abroad,” in the words of Professor Ji Xianlin. Chaozhou, a historic city, is the birthplace not only of business magnate Li Ka-shing but also of Mr. Jao Tsung-I, an eminent scholar in Chinese studies and a leading figure in academia celebrated as “Qian Zhongshu of the North, Jao Tsung-I of the South.” Truly, he is the pride of Chaozhou.

Location

At the foot of the Lower Water Gate, Ancient City District, Xiangqiao District, Chaozhou City, Guangdong Province