The 2021 Ningbo (Yuyao) Yangming Cultural Week opens in Yuyao, a county-level city in Ningbo, on Oct 31. [Photo/WeChat account: nbfb0574]

The 2021 Ningbo (Yuyao) Yangming Cultural Week began on Oct 31 in Yuyao, a county-level city in Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province.

The week-long event marks the 549th anniversary of Chinese Neo-Confucian philosopher Wang Yangming's birth, which falls on Oct 31.

Wang Yangming (1472–1529) was a Chinese statesman, general, and Neo–Confucian philosopher born in Yuyao. He is perhaps best known for his doctrine of "unity of knowing and acting", which can be interpreted as a denial of weakness of will.

A jade carving featuring Wang crafted by national first-class artist Yuan Jiaqi was donated to Yuyao at the launch ceremony. Carved from 1.37 metric tons of Dushan jade, it depicts the scene of Wang visiting Siming Mountain and will be placed in his former residence in Yuyao.

The event, which will run until Nov 5, will include forums, seminars, and exhibitions.      

A close look at the jade carving crafted by Yuan Jiaqi that depicts the scene of Wang Yangming visiting Siming Mountain. [Photo/WeChat account: nbfb0574]