The 6th International Yangming Cultural Festival opened in Xiuwen county, Guiyang city on Oct 25, attracting over 800 domestic and overseas guests.

The festival was created in memory of Wang Yangming, a famous philosopher of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). He set up a philosophy school and developed his beliefs in Xiuwen county.

Various activities were held during the festival, including an unveiling ceremony at Longgang Academy, an opening ceremony, a forum on Yangming culture, grand rituals and a reciting contest based on Wang's classic poems.

The construction of Longgang Academy is based on the Chinese traditional courtyard. With a total planned area of 280 mu (186,667 square meters) and a building area of 38,000 square meters, the academy has various functions spanning the realms of sacrificing, training, conferencing and academic research. The academy will provide an exchange platform for scholars and experts to study Yangming culture.

Xiuwen has successfully held five sessions of the International Yangming Cultural Festival since 1999. Ye Xiaowen, the CPPCC national committee member, said that the spirit of conscience should be integrated into people's daily life through the festival.

The 6th International Yangming Cultural Festival, held in Xiuwen county of Guiyang city on Oct 25. [Photo/www.xinhuanet.com]

The Longgang Academy is unveiled during the 6th International Yangming Cultural Festival in Xiuwen county of Guiyang city on Oct 25. [Photo/www.xinhuanet.com]

Zhao Yandi contributed to this story.