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An aerial view of the Jiemin Library in Shaoxing. [Photo/Zhejiang Daily]

Shaoxing in East China's Zhejiang province recently opened the Jiemin Library to celebrate the 155th birth anniversary of Cai Yuanpei (1868-1940).

Shaoxing native Cai was the president of Peking University from 1916 to 1927. He was a believer in universal education at a time when Chinese scholars were mostly male. Women were admitted to Peking University as soon as he took office.

Cai also liberated the Chinese education system from feudal ideologies and introduced an aesthetic appreciation-based model that transformed the nation's thinking.

To pay homage to Cai's vision, the library features a fusion of ancient and contemporary architecture approaches, and offers a multifunctional space for reading and exhibitions.

Local authorities said Shaoxing is aiming to uncover new insights into Cai's legacy and promote a deeper understanding of his intellectual contributions.