A Study on the Dissemination Paths and Localized Evolution of Southern Confucianism in Quzhou from the Song to the Ming–Qing Dynasties
After Confucius’ direct descendants moved south to Quzhou in the Southern Song Dynasty, Southern Confucianism took root in western Zhejiang. Between the Song and Ming Qing dynasties, this culture evolved from a clan-based learning tradition into a regional public culture through interactions among the Kong clan, local governments, scholars, gentry and ordinary residents. Based on local gazetteers, genealogies and stone inscriptions, this paper analyzes its communication routes and localized transformations marked by popularized rituals, widespread education and Confucian-influenced folk customs. The culture gained local grounding in the Song-Yuan era and became broadly popular in the Ming-Qing period. This study clarifies a key case of Jiangnan Confucian regional development and offers historical references for modern-day cultural inheritance and urban brand construction in Quzhou.
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