Hsu Cho-yun delivers a keynote speech titled My Hometown in Jiangnan via video presentation at the Third Jiangnan Context Forum in 2022. [Photo provided to wuxi.gov.cn]
Renowned historian Hsu Cho-yun, born in 1930, passed away at the age of 95 on Aug 4.
Hsu is recognized as one of the most influential historians in the Chinese-speaking world. He served as a professor and dean of the Department of History at National Taiwan University, as well as a visiting professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the University of Hawaii, Duke University, and retired as an honorary professor at the University of Pittsburgh.
Despite his physical limitations throughout his life, he remained steadfast in facing challenges. Through his lucid and insightful writing, he has left behind a wealth of knowledge about history and life.
Hsu Cho-yun pose for a photo. [Photo provided to wuxi.gov.cn]
His academic accomplishments include the "Ancient China Trilogy" and several popular history books such as the "Chinese Culture Trilogy". His notable work, Eternal River, received the third China National Library's Wenjin Book Award.
Wuxi held a special place in Hsu's heart as his hometown. In interviews, he often spoke fondly of Wuxi, recounting stories about its local traditions and culture. He once said, "Wuxi is where I can entrust everything and let go of everything."
Hsu considered his hometown a wellspring of affection, gaining warmth and a sense of belonging from Jiangnan's natural beauty and cultural richness. Even after moving to the United States, he often visited Wuxi for family gatherings and to reconnect with old classmates.
In 2022, during the Third Jiangnan Context Forum in Wuxi, he gave a keynote speech titled My Hometown in Jiangnan via video presentation.
