A recently aired documentary has shed light on the captivating story of Shen Congwen (1903-88), one of the most influential modern Chinese writers, and his profound literary connection with his hometown, the Xiangxi Tujia and Miao autonomous prefecture in Hunan province.
In his early 20s, he bravely abandoned a relatively stable life to venture into the bustling city of Beijing, marking the beginning of his lifelong writing career, focusing on portrayal and reminiscence of Xiangxi.
Despite returning to Xiangxi only three times over the span of more than six decades, his literary works overflow with panoramic observations and nostalgic memories of his cherished homeland.
When discussing Shen and his literary works, it is impossible to disregard the cultural allure of Xiangxi, which not only serves as a literary keystone in Shen's writings, but also stands as the birthplace of his literary inspirations.
By tracing the path of Shen's words and life, this documentary also captures the attractive tapestry of Xiangxi's rich historical and cultural heritage, folk traditions and abundant tourism resources.
The documentary aired on Hunan Satellite TV and the online video-sharing platform Mango TV on Monday.
