A new cultural bridge is forming between two of Asia’s most prominent urban centers as the Shanghai Children’s Library and the Hong Kong Central Library launch joint reading programs on 24 solar terms. The initiative, which debuted in Hong Kong on a recent Friday, seeks to translate complex ancient astronomical and agricultural wisdom into accessible, child-friendly narratives.
The partnership blends the resources of two major institutions to foster a shared understanding of traditional Chinese culture among young readers. By focusing on the 24 solar terms—a calendar system that has guided farming and daily life for millennia—the libraries are moving beyond traditional book lending to create immersive, educational experiences that link the natural world with literary exploration.
At the heart of the collaboration is a specialized program developed in Shanghai that simplifies the “secrets” of the solar terms. This framework has been adapted by the Hong Kong Central Library into a dedicated children’s exhibition, utilizing vivid texts and detailed illustrations to guide young visitors through the seasonal shifts and the ancient wisdom associated with them.
Decoding the 24 Solar Terms for a New Generation
The 24 solar terms are more than just a calendar; they represent a sophisticated system of timekeeping based on the sun’s position in the ecliptic. Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, these terms provided the foundation for agricultural society in East Asia, marking critical moments for planting, harvesting and weather prediction.
For many modern children in hyper-urbanized environments like Hong Kong and Shanghai, the connection to these seasonal cycles has faded. The joint reading programs aim to reverse this trend by framing the solar terms as a “fairy tale world.” On May 17, the Hong Kong Central Library hosted a storytelling event where a designated reading ambassador led children through the unique charms of traditional culture, transforming scientific observations of nature into engaging stories.
The exhibition in Hong Kong is designed to be tactile and visual, ensuring that the “ancient wisdom” is not presented as a dry history lesson but as a living part of the region’s identity. By using “exquisite illustrations,” the libraries hope to capture the imagination of children who are more accustomed to digital interfaces than traditional almanacs.
A Cross-City Literary Exchange
The collaboration extends beyond a single theme, delving into the institutional histories of both libraries. A central component of the initiative is a program that explores the shared evolution of the Shanghai Children’s Library and the Hong Kong Central Library. This dialogue is intended to deepen the understanding of how children’s cultural consumption and library development have diverged and converged in the two cities.
To personalize the experience, the heads of both libraries have curated a special exhibition of recommended books. These selections serve as a curated roadmap for young readers, highlighting literature that reflects the values and intellectual curiosities of both Shanghai and Hong Kong.
The timing of the program is strategically aligned with key cultural markers. Following the launch in Hong Kong, the reading activities transitioned to the Shanghai Children’s Library to coincide with Children’s Day, ensuring that the exchange of ideas and materials is reciprocal.
The following table outlines the primary components of the joint initiative:
| Event/Feature | Location | Primary Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Solar Term Exhibition | Hong Kong | Illustrations and texts on ancient seasonal wisdom |
| Storytelling Event (May 17) | Hong Kong | Reading ambassador-led cultural narratives |
| Children’s Day Program | Shanghai | Interactive reading activities for youth |
| Curated Book Display | Both Cities | Recommendations from library directors |
Bridging the Gap Between Tradition and Modernity
This initiative reflects a broader trend in urban library management, where the focus is shifting from the preservation of books to the curation of experiences. By linking the Hong Kong Central Library and the Shanghai Children’s Library, the program creates a “conversation that transcends time and space,” allowing children to see their own city’s development through the lens of another.
The use of “reading ambassadors” suggests a move toward more social, community-driven literacy. Rather than passive reading, the program emphasizes the oral tradition of storytelling, which is essential for passing down the nuances of the 24 solar terms—knowledge that was historically transmitted from elders to youth via spoken word and practice.
As these programs continue, the libraries aim to create a sustainable model for cultural exchange that can be expanded to other themes. The focus remains on providing a balance between academic knowledge and the “fairy tale” appeal that encourages children to return to the library as a place of discovery.
The next phase of the collaboration will involve evaluating the engagement levels of the Children’s Day activities in Shanghai to determine future joint themes and potential expansions of the shared book recommendation list.
We invite you to share your thoughts on how traditional knowledge can be better integrated into modern education in the comments below.
