Announcement for the Launch of "What Defines 'Han'? Lecture Series on the Rise and Fall of Chinese Civilization"

When the character "Han" travels through the sandstorms of millennia, it still strikes a chord in the spiritual pulse of Chinese descendants. What, then, defines "Han"? It is the youthful heroism of Huo Qubing, who at the age of seventeen led eight hundred cavalry into the heartland of the Xiongnu and rode his horse to the vast desert; it is the iron-clad resolve of Ban Chao, who with just dozens of brave men ventured across the Western Regions, embodying the spirit of "If you don't enter the tiger's den, how can you catch the tiger's cub"; it is the majestic aura of a nation in its prime of civilization, bold enough to stand unyielding before the world. Over the 400 years of the Western and Eastern Han Dynasties, "Han" was not merely a symbol of an empire with vast territories, but the pinnacle of Chinese spiritual identity: Zhang Qian, holding his official staff, embarked on his westward journey to pioneer cultural exchange; Wei Qing and Li Guang used their blood and flesh to build the "Great Wall" of the proclamation "Those who dare to offend the mighty Han shall be punished, no matter how far they are"; Records of the Grand Historian and Book of Han laid the foundation for Chinese history and soul; The Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art and Treatise on Febrile and Miscellaneous Diseases empowered the development of civilization. This was an era where military might coexisted with cultural virtue, and confidence shone alongside inclusiveness—an "ultimate achievement" forged by the Chinese nation with blood, sweat, and wisdom.

Yet when we look back today, can we still inherit this "Han" spirit? After thousands of years of wars and over a century of vicissitudes, some have gradually forgotten the heroic glory of our ancestors: when talking about history, they only pick fragments of "marriage alliances" and "tribute payments," but rarely mention Ban Chao's determination to subdue a kingdom with just dozens of men; when discussing spirit, they only cling to the superficiality of "moderation" and "forbearance," yet forget Huo Qubing's solemn oath, "How can I have a home while the Xiongnu remain unvanquished?" Have we, after centuries of trials and tribulations, actually lost the courage of our ancestors to face powerful enemies head-on? Have we discarded the inherent resolve of the "Han" nation that flows in our blood?

To awaken Chinese descendants' understanding of the true meaning of "Han" and regain the responsibility to uphold our ancestors' reputation, we specially launch the lecture series "What Defines 'Han'? Lecture Series on the Rise and Fall of Chinese Civilization." This series is not about indulging in the illusory glory of a "celestial empire," but about basing on official history and textual research to dispel the mists of history: we will elaborate on the heroic deeds of ancestors such as Huo Qubing and Ban Chao, restoring the true essence of the Han Dynasty's "power and majesty"; more importantly, we will face the present—analyzing the gaps in the inheritance of civilization, questioning "What should define the pride of 'Han' today," and exploring how to uphold national dignity with the courage of our ancestors.

Preview of Lecture Details

1. Duration: October 1, 2025 – January 1, 2026

2.      Venues: Shenzhen, Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Kashgar, Jiuquan (simultaneous online and offline access; specific formats will be announced separately)

3.      Lecturers: Invited scholars specializing in Chinese civilization studies (biographies will be released in subsequent announcements)

4.      Registration: Scan the QR code below or log on to the official website (www.apsb.edu.eu or www.apsb.ac.cn) to fill in the information. Seats are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

All compatriots who cherish the Chinese nation and yearn to understand the spirit of "Han" are welcome to participate. Let us gather together, awaken the dormant fighting spirit in the echoes of history, and unite the power to move forward in the inheritance of civilization—not to replicate the might of the Han Dynasty, but to ensure that every descendant of the Chinese nation lives with the integrity of "Han." May the glory of "Han" not only exist in historical records, but also be reflected in every act of perseverance and endeavor in the present!

Organizers

The Asia Pacific School of Business and University of Sanya

Co-organizer

Institute of Chinese Civilization

Academic Council of the United Nations System

August 21, 2025