The International Conference on 20th and 21st Century Chinese Literature: Retrospect and Prospect, organised by the Hong Kong Arts Development Council (ADC), was held to examine the past and future of Chinese literature. The conference brought together over 30 prominent scholars, writers and critics spanning two generations from the mainland China. Taiwan, Hong Kong and the United States.

The three-day symposium covered extensive areas of literary interest, With speakers
sharing retrospective views and insights into a century of literary development. Different schools of literary thought and the relationship between the Mainland and Hong Kong literary works were explored to facilitate academic and cultural exchanges.

At the opening session on 29 November 2006, renowned writer Mr Bai Hua reviewed
literature development in the past century and the political incident surrounding his novel Bitter Love. He brought up the question of how Chinese literature should position itself from a tumultuous century to a newfound position of economic and political strength. Prof Yu Tien-tsung from the Department of Chinese Literature of Taiwan's National Chengchi University, observed that the Chinese people can move the world forward only by combining their wisdom with the sorrowful lessons of history.

Prof Yang Kuang-han, a literary researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, pointed out that the value of such classic works as Midnight, The Border Town and The Walled City lies not only in their historical narratives, but also the "discovery" of issues confronting China. His analysis shows Chinese literature in the 20th century shackled by the constraints of utilitarianism, imitation and psychological conflicts, but without in any way weakening its inner strength and essence. Mr Hon Man-po, Chairman of the Literary Arts Group of the ADC, delineated the development of the 20th century Chinese literature. Examining the inadequacy of leftist writers, he lamented the plight of intellectuals once deprived of their freedoms to the detriment of literary development. Prof Xie Man of the Department of Chinese Language and Literature in Peking University, outlined the destiny of Chinese contemporary literature and paid tribute to the beauty, passion and melancholy so well encapsulated in this new genre.

At the afternoon session on the same day, discussions from different perspectives helped foster a better understanding of modem poetry among some 200 participants.

At the early session on 30 November, Prof Liu Jun from the Department of Chinese Language and Literature of Nanjing University, looked at the changes in the 20th century Chinese literature, with reference to Chinese writings on "family" and "father-and-son relationships" in different periods. Prof Ge Hong-bing from the College of Liberal Arts in the Shanghai University analysed the four developmental stages of contemporary Chinese literature. Their discussions together with other speakers' contribution projected a clear picture of contemporary literature.

At the afternoon session, a prominent writer Mr Ye Yong-lie detailed the different styles of sci-fi writing in the Mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Using "Harry Potter" for illustration, he compared the characteristics of sci-fi, mystery and fantasy and explained the impact of these influences on the trend of literary thought in mainland China.

At the closing session on 1 December, the speakers shared their views on the future development of contemporary Chinese literature. For information on the topics and speakers, please visit http://www.hkadc.org.hk/events/iccl/conferences.php.

The event attracted a total of some 600 enthusiasts in literature, including a large number of secondary students - a vivid indication that our youths have a passion for writing and they can provide fresh impetus for contemporary Chinese literature.