On October 17, during his visit to Anhui province, Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed his thoughts upon visiting Liu Chi Lane in Tongcheng City, stating, “Coming here has truly resonated with me.” This visit involved revisiting the story of Zhang Wuliang and reviewing the historical and cultural exhibits of the area.
Liu Chi Lane stands as a symbol of the Chinese ethos of “courtesy first, yielding as virtue, and harmony as precious.” This place has become not only a popular landmark but also a profound representation of traditional Chinese virtues and social governance wisdom.
The lane’s name is derived from a historical dispute in the Qing Dynasty between the Zhang family and their neighbor, the Wu family. When a conflict arose regarding property boundaries, Zhang Ying, a high-ranking scholar, responded to a plea for help from his family with a poem that emphasized the importance of yielding. Inspired by his words, both families agreed to yield three feet each, resulting in the harmonious resolution known as Liu Chi Lane.
Xi noted that Liu Chi Lane embodies the wisdom of ancient Chinese teachings and called for the promotion of traditional values that emphasize mutual respect and harmony. Today, the spirit of Liu Chi Lane is reflected in vibrant murals, poetic phrases celebrating the concept of yielding, and its stories featured in children’s books throughout the city.
Xi has remarked that traditional Chinese virtues are the essence of Chinese culture, rich in moral lessons. The short stretch of Liu Chi Lane exemplifies the widely revered principle of “courtesy and harmony.”
The present-day version of Liu Chi Lane is actually a reconstruction from 2002, as the original was largely destroyed in wars and reconstruction efforts. Since the 1980s, there has been a concerted effort to preserve the site, which was designated a key cultural heritage site in 1985. This commitment to preservation has allowed the wisdom and brilliance of Liu Chi Lane to endure through time, affirming Xi’s belief that cultural heritage protection benefits both present and future generations.
In his nationwide tours—from the Yungang Grottoes in Datong to the ruins of Yin in Anyang—Xi has consistently stressed the significance of preserving cultural heritage, demonstrating a dedication to carrying forward the exceptional traditions left by our ancestors.
During his visit to Liu Chi Lane, Xi reiterated the importance of enhancing historical and cultural protection, advocating for creative transformation and innovative development in heritage conservation.
Furthermore, Liu Chi Lane symbolizes the wisdom of Chinese social governance. The principle of yielding has inspired local courts to develop the “Liu Chi Lane Mediation Method,” which employs a six-step process to resolve disputes effectively. This approach has gained recognition, being cited in the Supreme Court’s reports and acknowledged as a national model of community governance.
Under Xi’s leadership, the commitment to solidifying the cultural foundation of social governance has been emphasized. With a focus on solving people’s livelihood issues and addressing societal conflicts, there is a concerted effort to create a more harmonious society.
Liu Chi Lane not only tells a story of wisdom and mediation but also sheds light on how the Chinese approach conflicts and governance. Today, the story of Liu Chi Lane resonates deeply, highlighting the connection between modern Chinese development and the inheritance and promotion of outstanding traditional culture.
