On June 18, Jiangsu Jizi Cultural Research Institute was established in Changzhou. Fan Yanqing, a former vice-chairman of Jiangsu Provincial Committee of CPPCC, Zhang Xinke, executive vice chairman of Jiangsu Provincial Federation of Philosophy and Social Sciences (JSFPSS), and Wang Xiaohua, deputy director of the Provincial Department of Civil Affairs, attended the institute’s inaugural ceremony and delivered speeches.

Changzhou’s city leaders Dai Yuan, Chen Zhiliang and Zhao Zhengbin were also present at the ceremony.

Jizi, whose given name is Zha, was a royal family member of the state of Wu during the Spring and Autumn period of ancient China some 2,000 years ago. He was known as a man of great moral integrity and famous for the story called “Jizi of Yanling Hangs up His Sword." It was said that he declined the enthronement three times and was finally made the Duke of Yanling (present-day Changzhou).

Worshiped as the forefather of Changzhou, Jizi’s moral legacy was deeply rooted in the city’s history, culture and identity.

The Jiangsu Jizi Cultural Research Institute is a professional organization for experts and personage who are passionate about exploring and promoting the culture of Jizi. Its 120 members come from the province’s leading universities and 11 cities. Dr. Zhou Qun, professor and PhD supervisor of the Chinese Thinkers Research Center of Nanjing University, was elected chairperson of the institute.