The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most significant festivals in China, second only to Spring festival. However, when it comes to stories, legends, and cultural depth, it can make a strong claim to holding the top spot.
Join Dr. Yanfeng Li and Dr. Felix Goodbody as they share both local and foreign perspectives on Mid-Autumn Ferstival, drawing on both ancient texts and current social media discussions. They'll explore how different regions across China celebrate the festival, with a special focus on the moon as a powerful cultural symbol, especially among China's ethnic minorities. Expect to hear about folk songs, traditional arts, and other cultural outputs that have brought the festival to life for thousands of years.
Speakers
Yanfeng Li
RAS Book Club Convener
Yanfeng Li (李延风) holds a PhD in Chinese Literature from the University of Hawaii. Following eleven years of teaching at the University of Pennsylvania and the CIEE Shanghai Center at East China Normal University, he transitioned to independent research and creative writing. His current focus is the regional cultures of Qinling and Basha between Shaanxi and Sichuan, a study that inspired his acclaimed trilogy, Distant Mountain Trails (远山古道三部曲), and other literary works.
Felix
Goodbody
Lecturer at Shanghai International Studies University
Felix Goodbody is a lecturer at Shanghai International Studies University. He holds a BA and PhD in history from the University of Liverpool and an MSc in the history of science from the University of Manchester. His research interests include the history of medicine and Sino-foreign encounters during the Republic of China period.
Tickets
Members of other RAS branches (Beijing, Hong Kong, Korea, etc.)
RMB 50
Standard Price
Buy TicketFor members of other RAS branches and chapters.
You may be asked to provide proof of membership.
Includes one drink.RAS China institutional member
RMB 50
Standard Price
Buy TicketMax. 5 tickets per RAS Institutional member. Includes one drink.