Interviewer: What makes Baogong culture resonate across the Taiwan Strait and beyond?
Xia Dongbo, a special researcher at the Anhui Provincial Academy of Historical and Cultural Research, recently spoke with us to provide insight into the enduring appeal of Baogong culture, which continues to captivate audiences both domestically and internationally.
**Interviewer:** Over the centuries, how has the image of Baogong been shaped and revered?
**Xia Dongbo:** During his lifetime, Baogong—also known as Bao Zheng—was already renowned for his governance, dedication to the people, and integrity. His legacy originates from his upright and incorruptible administration and has since evolved through folklore, literature, and drama. These narratives have gradually merged together, creating the modern perception of Baogong.
His reputation remained strong in popular culture, resulting in numerous literary works and operas centered around him, including classic stories like “The Three Heroes and Five Gallants” and the “Bao Gong Cases.” Notable adaptations in television have also contributed to his fame, with shows like “Justice Bao” (1995), “Young Justice Bao” (2000), and “The Great Justice Bao” (2005) enhancing his profile.
Overall, Baogong’s image has been cultivated through four key dimensions: history, artifacts, literature, and drama. Together, they create the lasting legacy of “Justice Bao” that continues to be celebrated today.
**Interviewer:** How did Baogong culture come into being?
**Xia Dongbo:** The influence of Baogong culture has gradually developed alongside historical and cultural changes. As time passed, the character and deeds associated with Baogong became more elaborate and mythical, enhancing his legendary status. In the Song Dynasty, Confucian ethics were revived, emphasizing proper roles between rulers and officials. This golden age, marked by notable figures such as Wang Anshi and Sima Guang, saw Baogong become a central figure representing virtuous governance.
The flourishing economy of the Song era gave rise to entertainment venues and popular literature, where Baogong became an ideal character for storytelling, increasingly embellished with fictional elements. After the Song Dynasty, these tales continued to inspire theatrical works during the Yuan and Ming periods, helping to further shape the literary and mythical aspects of Baogong’s character while the historical elements began to fade.
Additionally, the growth of “honest official culture” in popular literature from the Song and Yuan Dynasties transformed Baogong into a cultural symbol of integrity, leading to his widespread renown.
**Interviewer:** How did Baogong culture spread to Taiwan?
**Xia Dongbo:** In Taiwan, Baogong culture has been promoted through the establishment of temples, community worship, and research centers dedicated to his legacy. One of the oldest Baogong temples, Haiching Temple, located in Yunlin County, was founded in 1738 by Quanzhou immigrants and has a rich history of 286 years. Temples across the island often trace their roots back to this original site.
At the Yunlin temple, Baogong is honored as the “King of Hell,” a title believed to have its origins in the Bao Family Shrine in Anhui. Over the years, the temple underwent renovations, maintaining traditional architectural styles and showcasing exquisite carvings and paintings that depict Baogong’s tales. Various other Baogong temples have been established throughout Taiwan, with the largest located in Kaohsiung.
**Interviewer:** What role does Baogong play in promoting cultural exchange across the Strait?
**Xia Dongbo:** As a symbol of honest governance, Baogong plays a crucial role in fostering cultural exchanges between the two sides. In Taiwan, popular festivals and rituals reflect a strong community reverence for Baogong. For instance, the Yunlin Temple celebrates the “King of Hell’s Birthday” each year, drawing thousands of devotees for traditional ceremonies.
Many Taiwanese households also have altars dedicated to Baogong. Notably, Baogong temples have been included in local educational curricula, teaching students about their cultural heritage and history.
Today, Baogong’s influence extends beyond mere folklore; he has become a vital bridge in the cultural exchange between the two sides of the Strait, embodying the values of integrity and justice.
**Interviewer:** How can we expand the international influence of Baogong culture?
**Xia Dongbo:** Baogong culture has already made notable strides in the Chinese cultural sphere and beyond. Historical records indicate that as early as the Ming Dynasty, Baogong’s name crossed international boundaries. Zheng He’s voyages to the West not only disseminated Baogong culture overseas but also returned with stories of international admiration for him.
Overseas, many Baogong temples can be found in countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore, where various ceremonies and commemorations take place to honor him.
The Baogong Shrine in Hefei, located at his childhood study site, remains the oldest and most enduring shrine dedicated to him—a gathering place for his descendants and enthusiasts from around the world.
With enhanced opportunities for cultural exchange and communication, Baogong culture is transcending time and borders, becoming a unique identifier of Chinese culture that resonates with a growing number of international communities.
