On November 5, 2025, Professor Lu Jiande—Guest Professor and Doctoral Supervisor at the School of Foreign Languages, Xiamen University; Director of the Center for Comparative Literature and Intercultural Studies, Xiamen University; and Research Fellow at the Institute of Literature, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences—was invited to deliver a special lecture entitled “'Opening the Eyes to the World'—A Tribute to Mr. Zhong Shuhe” in Conference Room 821. The lecture was chaired by Professor Li Meiqin of the School of Foreign Languages and attended by faculty, master's, and doctoral students.

Focusing on the To the World Series compiled by Mr. Zhong Shuhe, Professor Lu systematically reviewed the compilation process and spiritual significance of the series. He elaborated on the intellectual legacy and contemporary relevance of “opening the eyes to the world,” exploring how to carry forward the mission of “engaging with the world” in the context of globalization. This was examined through the dual perspectives of travel writings by late Qing Chinese scholars abroad and travel accounts by foreign visitors to China.

In his lecture, Professor Lu first introduced the historical background of Mr. Zhong Shuhe's compilation of the To the World Series and highlighted the high recognition of its value in the preface written by Mr. Qian Zhongshu. He then connected the series to the founding of modern Chinese universities and the role of the Westernization Movement in advancing China's early modernization and its outward engagement. Through specific cases involving figures such as Li Gui and Guo Songtao, Professor Lu vividly illustrated the intellectual value embodied in the series. He noted that this 100 volume collection is a milestone in Chinese publishing history, one that not only transformed the knowledge structure and worldview of contemporary Chinese readers but also facilitated an intellectual dialogue across time and space. Furthermore, Professor Lu emphasized that while studying the travel experiences of Chinese people “going out,” scholars should also pay attention to the travelogues and records of foreigners “coming in” during the same period. He encouraged young scholars to solidify their bilingual foundation in Chinese and English, broaden their academic horizons, and cultivate intellectual vitality in order to contribute more effectively to intercultural research.

Professor Lu Jiande's lecture was distinguished by its broad perspective, rich historical material, intellectual depth, and inspiring content. During the interactive session, he patiently answered questions from faculty and students on topics such as project selection and research methods, encouraging everyone to continue exploring on their academic paths and to achieve substantial results.

This lecture forms an important part of the lecture series “Global Insights: Frontiers of Area Studies.” It has provided a high quality platform for academic exchange for the school's faculty and students, broadened young scholars' understanding of area studies, and inspired new directions for research innovation.

Text: Yan Xinlei

Photos: Wang Yining

Translated: Li Yixiao, Zhang Tingting

Proofreading: Guo Qing