On October 10, 2023, in Lanzhou, the China News Service conducted an interview with Professor Wang Shoukuan from the History and Culture Institute of Lanzhou University, exploring the significance of the “Siku Quanshu” (Complete Library of the Four Treasuries) and its implications for both Chinese and international audiences.
The “Siku Quanshu” stands as the largest cultural project in Chinese history, encompassing nearly 800 million characters and divided into four categories: classics, history, philosophy, and collections. It compiles key texts from the Pre-Qin period to the early Qing dynasty, representing a monumental gathering of ancient Chinese thought, culture, and technology. The version stored at Wensu Pavilion in Gansu offers unique historical and academic value compared to other editions.
In recent years, Gansu has advanced the digitization of the Wensu Pavilion “Siku Quanshu,” making this massive literary work more accessible to the general public. The following is a summarized transcript of the interview with Professor Wang Shoukuan regarding the significance of this project.
**China News Service Reporter:** Why is the compilation of the “Siku Quanshu” described as encompassing both Chinese and foreign cultures? What international collaborations have been involved in its preservation and research?
**Wang Shoukuan:** The description of the “Siku Quanshu” as inclusive of both Chinese and foreign cultures stems from its comprehensive coverage of various disciplines—ranging from ancient Chinese literature, history, philosophy, and science to contributions from international figures, including scholars from Western countries as well as Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. It also includes texts related to world history, geography, culture, customs, technology, and transportation, making it a crucial resource for studying Sino-foreign exchanges and attracting global scholarly interest.
Many works from foreign scholars are included in the “Siku Quanshu,” such as Fa-Hsien’s “Record of the Buddhist Kingdom,” Xuanzang’s “Great Tang Records on the Western Regions,” Euclid’s “Elements,” and texts by scholars like Luigi Federico Marsigli, Jean-Baptiste Du Halde, and more. Additionally, the history section contains Korean, Vietnamese, and Japanese historical writings, emphasizing the significance of cross-cultural scholarship.
**China News Service Reporter:** How does China’s “Siku Quanshu” compare to Diderot’s “Encyclopedia” and the British “Encyclopaedia Britannica”?
**Wang Shoukuan:** All three—China’s “Siku Quanshu,” Diderot’s “Encyclopedia,” and the “Encyclopaedia Britannica”—emerged in the 18th century and reflect the cultural and intellectual achievements of their respective societies. They each represent the pinnacle of knowledge in their civilizations.
However, there are notable differences. The “Siku Quanshu” primarily aimed to consolidate and preserve traditional Chinese culture and ensure the stability of the Qing dynasty from a cultural standpoint. Diderot’s “Encyclopedia,” on the other hand, was a product of the Enlightenment, aiming to compile contemporary knowledge and scientific advancements while promoting rationalism and critical thought. Meanwhile, the “Encyclopaedia Britannica” sought to popularize scientific knowledge and encourage education during the British Enlightenment.
In terms of content, the “Siku Quanshu” focuses on classical literature and particularly on Confucian texts, while the other two are expansive dictionaries highlighting the latest achievements in various fields of knowledge. Their organizational structures also differ; the “Siku Quanshu” was officially compiled with an emphasis on classic texts, while the other two embraced a more diverse, multi-author contribution model.
**China News Service Reporter:** What makes the Wensu Pavilion’s “Siku Quanshu” unique compared to other editions? How might its digitization efforts serve as a model for the preservation of overseas manuscripts?
**Wang Shoukuan:** The Wensu Pavilion “Siku Quanshu” has a unique historical trajectory, having migrated from Shenyang to Gansu, reflecting efforts to protect China’s valuable cultural heritage. It is currently the only extant complete manuscript that has not been fully published, making it invaluable for academic study. The recent digitization project has highlighted the cultural characteristics of Gansu, enriching the research dimensions of the “Siku Quanshu” and enhancing local cultural heritage.
Gansu’s innovative approaches in the digitization process aim to preserve the original texts while facilitating their active use, providing technological insights for the preservation of overseas manuscripts. This project demonstrates how digital methods can effectively increase accessibility and utilization of ancient texts without compromising their integrity.
**China News Service Reporter:** How can the Wensu Pavilion “Siku Quanshu” be shared with the world through its replica editions and digital innovations?
**Wang Shoukuan:** The existing physical and digital editions of the “Siku Quanshu” multiply its cultural value, allowing for broader dissemination. To share its importance globally, we can establish or utilize existing digital platforms, such as online databases or digital libraries, making the digitized content available to scholars, students, and enthusiasts worldwide. A multi-language interface can be developed to lower language barriers and enable non-Chinese speakers to appreciate it.
Additionally, hosting themed exhibitions featuring replica editions alongside interactive digital experiences can boost visitor engagement. Collaborating with foreign publishers to produce translated versions will enhance readability and influence outside Chinese-speaking regions.
Incorporating the “Siku Quanshu” into international education curricula, particularly in areas like Sinology, history, and literature, and partnering with overseas universities for joint research projects can foster academic exchange and resource sharing. Lastly, designing cultural tourism routes that include the Wensu Pavilion and related sites can attract international visitors, complemented by the development of cultural products, like replica books and derived art items, for the global market.
**Interviewee Profile:**
Wang Shoukuan is a professor at the History and Culture Institute of Lanzhou University, where he also heads the Institute of Historical Theory and History. He enjoys special government allowances from the State Council and serves as a part-time professor at Beijing Normal University. His research areas include Chinese historiography, cultural history, and regional studies of Northwestern China, with published works like “Northwest Historical Texts,” “General History of China: Song Dynasty Volume,” and “Guide to Northwest History.”
