To establish a heart for the universe, to remember the great statesman Zhou Bida of an era

Zhou Bida (1126-1204), styled Zichong, self-named Shengzhai Jushi, was from Luling of Jizhou (present-day Ji'an, Jiangxi), a Chinese politician and literary figure of the Southern Song Dynasty. He served through the reigns of Emperor Gaozong, Emperor Xiaozong, Emperor Guangzong, and Emperor Lizong, holding office for over forty years as a renowned minister of the Southern Song. Zhou Bida was also the first person after Bi Sheng to experiment with and successfully use movable type printing with clay characters, contributing to the development of Chinese printing technology. During his tenure as Prime Minister, Zhou Bida was known for his integrity and straightforwardness in court, his fearless approach to speaking out against the powerful, his strategic handling of affairs, his diligent governance, and his literary talent. He was a leader in the Southern Song literary circle, maintaining deep friendships with figures such as Lu You, Fan Chengda, and Yang Wanli, and his calligraphy was known for its robust and vigorous style, forming a class of its own. While visiting the Jizhou Kiln, I also toured the Zhou Bida Memorial. The park was serene, with pavilions and towers reflecting the elegance of the literati, and the exhibition hall provided a detailed introduction to his life. Among the notable figures of the Southern Song, Zhou Bida had profound accomplishments in politics, literature, and art. Despite holding a high and powerful position as Prime Minister and being favored by Emperor Xiaozong, he was devoid of bureaucratic airs, wholeheartedly serving the people, which is admirable. Friends who like history and literature should not miss this place.