Cultural Changes Reflected from the Travel Concept of the Scholars in the Late Ming Dynasty.docVIP

Cultural Changes Reflected from the Travel Concept of the Scholars in the Late Ming Dynasty 　　Abstract. The period of the late Ming dynasty can be praised as the most prosperous travel time of scholars in the history of China. During the period of the late Ming dynasty， the violent changes of social politics and economic structure made the scholar class life outlook and value changed fiercely， and they begun to lay emphasis on open freedom and material/spiritual enjoyments and also cultivate both body and mind through travel activities. In the violent changes of the society， the tourism concept of the scholars in the late Ming dynasty gives a reflection to the unique meaning of the times， namely containing the cultural changes of both ideology and politics. 　　Key words： The Late Ming Dynasty； the Scholar Class； Travel Concept； Cultural Changes 　　Since the late Ming dynasty， the corrupted and dark government and the low admission rate of the imperial examination system had made the ability of the government in controlling scholars weakened， while the separation and unbalance of the whole scholar class with the acquaintanceship of the government had forced them to seek self-esteem and happiness only in travel activities. To the late Ming dynasty period， a stream of humanism enlightenment thought finally emerged in the feudal society. The enlightenment thought reflected a cultural meaning different from the previous time and made the value and life outlook of the scholar class changed， and thus the behavior way of the scholar class was influenced and also a travel boom was born among the scholars in the late Ming dynasty. Progressive thinkers such as Zhi LI called to dispel the darkness of reality with rational sunshine， oppose despotism， pursue equality， and value the truth and individuality liberation. All these provide fertile soil for the cultural changes. 　　1. Ideology Cultural Changes Reflected from the Travel Concept of the Scholars in the Late Ming Dyna