Jao Tsung-I Academy
Jao Tsung-I Academy is located in a cluster of century-old Grade III historic buildings. It is one of the revitalisation projects under the First Batch of the "Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme" of the Development Bureau of the Hong Kong SAR Government. The non-profit organisation “Hong Kong Institute for Promotion of Chinese Culture” has revitalised the site with “Cultural Heritage” as the theme, transforming it into a cultural hub. It was named “Jao Tsung-I Academy" by the SAR Government to pay tribute to the outstanding achievements of the Chinese sinologist Professor Jao Tsung-i.
With its accessible geographical location, rich historical background, and space, the revitalised Jao Tsung-I Academy has transformed into a cultural hub in Hong Kong. Operating on a self-financing basis, Jao Tsung-I Academy integrates history, built heritage and culture that caters for different events and activities.
Professor Jao Tsung-i
Professor Jao Tsung-i, the Master of Chinese Studies, is renowned for his academic and artistic achievements. He is often mentioned alongside renowned scholar and artist Ji Xianlin, as “Jao of the South and Ji of the North”. Professor Jao has devoted his entire life to the pursuit of excellence in the academic and artistic worlds.
In the academic world, Professor Jao has pursued research with a passion that few has equalled. His motto is to “Seek the Truth, Seek the Standard, and Seek the Justness”. He pioneered research on the Dunhuang Manuscripts (now known as “Dunhuangology”) and in Chaozhou Studies. His research covers 13 genres spanning the entire field of Chinese culture, including ancient history, oracle bone inscriptions, and chuci. A prolific writer, he is the author of over 900 scholarly articles.
Professor Jao roams freely in the artistic world. His literary writings, calligraphy, and paintings blend classical traditions and innovation. His poetry, whilst complying with traditional schematic rules, is contemporary in essence. His calligraphy is not confined by any particular style, and he has created his own unique oracle bone palaeographic calligraphy. His paintings are vibrant yet simple, full of variation and bold innovation that matches his free spirit. Professor Jao , as a renowned scholar, has won much admiration and honours for his contribution to the world of arts. His unusual life is worthy of our appreciation and respect.