Guangqi Park, the source of modern science in China

Guangqi Park was formerly known as Nandan Park. It was built in the 14th year of Chongzhen in the Ming Dynasty (1641). It was renamed to its current name in 1983 to commemorate the 350th anniversary of Xu Guangqi's death. The main building in the park is Xu Guangqi's tomb. In modern times, Shanghai became a center for the introduction and dissemination of Western science and a bridge for cultural exchanges between China and the West. This was inseparable from Xu Guangqi, a scientific pioneer who was well-versed in both Chinese and Western knowledge and integrated the past and the present. "Xujiahui" was also named after him.

Xu Guangqi (1562-1633), whose courtesy name was Zixian and pseudonym was Xuanhu, was a famous scientist, astronomer and agricultural scientist in the Ming Dynasty. He was born on April 24, 1562. In 1604, he passed the imperial examination and became a Hanlin Academy student. He soon entered the research fields of academic and scientific research, and made important contributions, especially in astronomy, mathematics, water conservancy and agriculture.

Xu Guangqi had a profound influence in fields such as astronomy, mathematics, water conservancy and agricultural science. He collaborated with Italian missionary Matteo Ricci to translate books such as "Elements of Geometry" and "The Principles of Measurement", laying the foundation for Western mathematics and astronomy in China. He also participated in the compilation of the Chongzhen Calendar, which improved the Chinese calendar. In the field of agricultural science, he presided over the compilation of "Complete Book of Agricultural Administration", a detailed agricultural encyclopedia, which is still regarded as one of the most complete agricultural encyclopedias in ancient China.

Xu Guangqi was not only an outstanding scientist, but also a pioneer of cultural exchange in China. He was hailed as "the first person in cultural exchange between China and the West." His life had a profound impact on the development of Chinese science, technology and culture, and he is highly respected by later generations.

Guangqi Park is a city pocket park, small but very meaningful. It is the birthplace of Xujiahui and the starting point of China's move towards science. It is very worthwhile to spend half an hour to learn about this history.

[Tips] The park is located at the intersection of Nandan Road and Wending Road, just a stone's throw away from Exit 1 of Xujiahui Metro Station.

Post by HarperWilson | Jan 2, 2025