Xiamen University EMBA Mobile Classroom: Seeking the Sanwei Study House from Lu Xun’s Writings

Sina Finance
http://finance.sina.com.cn/emba/xmu/20110705/094810094880.shtml  

In May, the Hangzhou cohort of Xiamen University’s EMBA Class of 2010 embarked on a five-day study and visit program, meticulously planned and organized with the strong support of the School and under the thoughtful coordination of six alumni: Chen Bailiang from Yuegong Holding Group Co., Ltd., and Yu Guansong, Lu Ruigang, Chen Fu, and Yang Guojun from Kuaiji Mountain Shaoxing Wine Co., Ltd., as well as Wu Wenbin from Huaxia Power Group Co., Ltd.

Xiamen University EMBA Class of 2010, Hangzhou Section: Shaoxing Mobile Course Launched

As a historic cultural city with 2,500 years of history, Shaoxing preserves an enduring aura of ancient charm, much like aged wine left undisturbed in its cask. Some say Shaoxing is a book floating upon the water, while others liken it to a museum without walls. With the tranquil waters of Jian Lake and the deep‑rooted spirit of ancient Yue, Shaoxing’s rich cultural ambiance and time‑honored past are enough to captivate and inspire every student.

    From Lu Xun’s Hometown to the Lanting Scenic Area  

On May 25, the students departed from the hotel on time and, at the host’s arrangement, made their first stop at Lu Xun’s long‑yearned‑for hometown. Walking along the cobblestone paths with a touch of nostalgia, they listened as scenes from Lu Xun’s writings unfolded before their eyes: little bridges over flowing streams, shaded courtyards, bustling market streets, people coming and going by the bridge, and shops standing shoulder to shoulder… In that old home of pink walls and dark-tiled roofs, the square courtyard has accumulated countless charms of everyday life.

The trainees visited with great enthusiasm.

Students strolled through Lu Xun’s ancestral home, his former residence, the Hundred‑Grass Garden, the Three‑Flavors Study, the Shoujia Gatehouse, the Tuguci Temple, and the garden evoking the scenes from Lu Xun’s writings. The sights and atmosphere inevitably brought to mind one vivid tableau after another from his works. Immersed in this setting, the students seemed especially animated, as if transported back to their childhood, reciting Lu Xun’s “From the Garden of a Hundred Herbs to the Three‑Flavors Study”: “Not to mention the verdant vegetable patches, the smooth stone well railings, the towering locust trees, and the purplish‑red mulberries; nor need we speak of the cicadas singing long and low among the leaves, the plump yellow wasps basking on the blossoms, or the nimble skylarks that would suddenly dart straight up from the grass into the clouds. Even just the short stretch along the earthen wall at the base offers endless delights.” It truly stirs up fond memories.

The second stop was the Lanting Scenic Area, renowned at home and abroad for its four distinctive qualities—secluded scenery, refined pursuits, exquisite literary charm, and unparalleled calligraphy—and a celebrated mecca of Chinese calligraphy. In the ninth year of the Yonghe era of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, the great calligrapher Wang Xizhi gathered 41 scholars and gentlemen for a grand gathering featuring the “curved‑stream wine‑sipping” ritual, during which he composed the “Preface to the Orchid Pavilion,” hailed as the greatest running script in the world. The students eagerly posed for group photos in front of the Lanting Stele Pavilion.

Visits and exchanges jointly promote development.  

That afternoon, accompanied by student Chen Bailiang, Professor Dai Yiyi and the group first toured the workshops of Zhejiang Yuegong Holding Group Co., Ltd., where they expressed strong approval of the production processes and facility layout, and commended the working environment as well as the employees’ professional demeanor. While engaging in lively conversation with student Chen Bailiang, Professor Dai also offered constructive suggestions for the company’s development.

Trainees are visiting the company.

Subsequently, a roundtable discussion was held in the company’s first-floor conference room. Student Chen Bailiang extended a warm welcome to the delegation from Xiamen University and briefed the faculty and students on the company’s development and operations. During the exchange, Professor Dai remarked that Yuegong Group is a vibrant, dynamic enterprise that is steadily advancing, while student Chen Bailiang himself is a pragmatic, innovative leader who consistently strives for progress. In addition, Professor Dai presented Yuegong Group with the “Jiulong Zun” gift—a commemorative item from Xiamen University’s School of Management.

After visiting the first company, Professor Dai and the students hurried on to Kuaiji Mountain Shaoxing Wine Co., Ltd. With the company’s arrangements, they toured the Kuaiji Mountain Shaoxing Wine Exhibition Hall, learning about the distillery’s history, and then visited the yellow wine production workshop to observe the brewing process. Prof. Dai was full of praise and, on a whim, even penned the words: “Kuaiji Mountain—Shaoxing wine’s ‘Moutai,’” expressing his high hopes for the enterprise. At the exchange session, Prof. Dai remarked that he hoped all the students would continue to gather regularly, communicate with one another, collaborate on investments, and pursue shared development.

The banquet was held in the canteen of the Kuaiji Mountain Shaoxing Wine Company. Kuaiji Mountain warmly welcomed the visiting faculty and students with its aged Shaoxing Huadiao wine, and presented each of them with a 5‑kg jar of premium, twenty‑year‑old vintage—its surface delicately embossed with the names of all the students. It truly was “crafted with unparalleled artistry and utterly one of a kind,” leaving the students thoroughly delighted.

The Lectures at the Sanwei Study Hall  

From May 26 to 29, a gentle breeze infused the classically styled classrooms with an added touch of the timeless charm of Sanwei Bookstore. During the first two days, Professor Dai Yiyi delivered lectures, beginning by quoting a passage from Paul Samuelson’s seminal work, “Economics”: “The age of chivalry has passed; in its wake have come the era of sophists, economists, and computers,” thereby underscoring the vital importance of economics in today’s society. He then went on to emphasize, drawing on real-world examples, the necessity for contemporary entrepreneurs to study economics, the essential economic mindset they must cultivate, and how entrepreneurs can approach matters through an economic lens.

The trainees curiously learned about the principles of traditional brewing.

Thinking about real-world issues in this way. During his lectures, Professor Dai stayed firmly focused on the central theme, keeping a keen eye on both the domestic and international contexts. Drawing on numerous case studies and supplementary readings, he skillfully wove in a wealth of references while maintaining a lively, humorous style, bringing even the most abstract economic theories to life through concrete examples and thereby igniting his students’ enthusiasm for learning.

Because this session of “Managerial Economics” was structured in a “2+2” format, the following two days of classes were taught by Professor Zhou Xing. Professor Zhou employed a variety of teaching methods, delivering his lectures in a lively and engaging manner that students greatly appreciated. On the final day, he even organized a brief debate, during which both the debaters and their supporters actively participated, bringing the course to a thrilling climax.

This course integrates the latest research findings from disciplines such as microeconomics, game theory, and information economics, introducing both classic and cutting-edge economic concepts, modes of thinking, analytical tools, and methodologies. It places particular emphasis on applying economic principles to competitive, risk‑laden business environments, enabling entrepreneurs and senior corporate managers to rationally assess market conditions, select viable competitive strategies, set appropriate pricing, identify operational challenges, and articulate clear approaches and solutions to these issues. Throughout the course, students reported gaining substantial insights; even after the lectures concluded, they continued to engage in lively discussions, finding the experience deeply rewarding and immensely instructive.

Group photo commemorating the Xiamen University EMBA 2010 Hangzhou class’s mobile classroom session.

10 The first mobile classroom session for the Hangzhou class was a great success. Special thanks go to six classmates—Chen Bailiang of Yuegong Holding Group Co., Ltd., Yu Guansong, Lu Ruigang, Chen Fu, and Yang Guojun of Kuaiji Mountain Shaoxing Wine Co., Ltd., as well as Wu Wenbin of Huaxia Power Group Co., Ltd.—whose meticulous arrangements extended students’ opportunities for after‑class interaction and further strengthened the class’s sense of unity. (Text and photos by Chen Xin)