A journey of self-discovery

Zhang says it is very fulfilling to share traditional culture with his customers, while learning a lot at work. "Many scholars have come here to give lectures and share their academic views, and they can delve into Wang's philosophy in an easy-to-understand way," Zhang says.

"Some tourists can also inspire me through our exchanges."

Over the years, Zhang has witnessed the infrastructure upgrade in the neighborhood.

"A new riverside landscape sightseeing belt has been built, where visitors can take a walk and tour around," Zhang says.

Classes have been staged at the Longgang Academy regularly, and archery, stone rubbings and boat races have been staged during traditional celebrations, such as at Dragon Boat Festival, which falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month.

Yangming Culture Park falls into the category of humanistic landscape. It is recommended that visitors find a guide when visiting, Zhang says.

"You can learn the stories behind each stone here and each piece of his writing," he explains.

Yuan Jiali, a tour guide, suggests visitors should not miss out the Yangming Memorial Hall and the cave he used to live in.

Visitors need to climb a small hill for a few minutes to reach the cave, while the memorial hall itself is a magnificent green-gray structure that holds valuable items to help visitors better understand Wang's life and wisdom, says Yuan, who has been working at the site for a year.

"The stories of the philosopher have been very helpful, teaching me how to better regulate my daily habits and improve my moral cultivation," Yuan says.

She believes through studying Wang's thought, visitors can also establish good values and become more positive toward life.

Chou Junlin was impressed by the Yangming Cave during his trip to Guizhou in February.

The tourist from Guangdong province has an interest in history and traditional culture and made it a point to visit the site, where a lecture about the ancient thinker's wisdom was also held.

"I feel it's important, especially for us, young people, to better understand Wang's ideas, so we can fare better in life," Chou says.

When Wang put forward the last term in his three-pillar philosophical system zhiliangzhi, or the "extension of good conscience", his doctrines reached a new height. It is the kernel of Wang's thought and represents the most salient features of his interpretation of Confucianism, researchers say.