A Distinguished Scholar of Modern Chinese History and Cultural Relations
Dr. Xiaorong Han serves as Professor and Head of the Department of Chinese Culture at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, bringing extensive expertise in modern Chinese and Vietnamese history. After earning his PhD in History from the University of Hawaii-Manoa, he has established himself as a leading authority on Chinese intellectual history and Southeast Asian relations. His research portfolio focuses on three main areas: the relationship between intellectuals and peasants in modern China, state interactions with ethnic minorities, and China's historical connections with Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam. As an Advisory Committee Member of PolyU's Research Centre for Chinese History and Culture, he plays a crucial role in promoting Chinese cultural education and heritage. His scholarly contributions include significant works such as "Chinese Discourses on the Peasant, 1900-1949," which explores how Chinese intellectuals conceptualized the peasantry's role in social transformation. Beyond his academic research, he actively contributes to cultural initiatives, including PolyU's Chinese Culture Festival, which aims to strengthen cultural confidence and promote understanding of Chinese traditions among younger generations.