Reapproaching John Leighton Stuart in Hangzhou
Son of Hangzhou: A Journey Tracing the Footsteps of John Leighton Stuart on the 150th Anniversary of His Birth
"I am more Chinese than American." — John Leighton Stuart
▎ Preface
Why now? Why Hangzhou?
The year 2026 marks the 150th anniversary of John Leighton Stuart's birth, as well as the 100th anniversary of the completion of "Yan Yuan," the campus of Yenching University, which he poured his heart and soul into founding.
"My first babbled words were spoken in the Hangzhou dialect." 150 years ago, John Leighton Stuart was born in Yesu Lane, Tianshui Bridge, Hangzhou, which marked the beginning of his profound, lifelong bond with China.
We will follow the trajectory of his life in Hangzhou, revisiting the places where he was born, raised, pastored, educated, and ultimately laid to rest. Through on-site visits, historical narratives, themed sharings, and interactive exchanges, we will rediscover this historical figure who bridged China and the United States, and who served multiple roles as a Christian, educator, cultural communicator, and witness to his times.
Looking back at John Leighton Stuart today is not just a quest; it is also a search for inspiration and enlightenment for the future, found within the wisdom of mutual learning among civilizations, the rethinking of the essence of education, the inheritance of Sino-US people-to-people friendship, and reflections on faith and life.
▎ Map of Footsteps: Touching the Temperature of History
This is not just a geographical journey, but a dialogue across time and space. We will visit four core landmarks to reconstruct the vivid details of John Leighton Stuart's life:
The Former Residence of John Leighton Stuart: This is where he was born. Today, his former residence has been transformed into a memorial hall documenting his legendary life. Here, we will provide the most essential, in-depth narratives, using precious historical archives to trace the life journey of this "Son of Hangzhou" from his childhood playfulness to his reflections in old age.
Tianshui Church: Visit Tianshui Church, founded by his father John Linton Stuart, to experience life choices steeped in faith, family stories, and a legacy of belief that spans over a century.
Zhijiang Campus, Zhejiang University (Saturday only): Walk through the Zhijiang campus, returning to an important historical site in the development of modern Chinese higher education. We will reflect on the educational philosophy demonstrated by John Leighton Stuart during the establishment of Hangchow University (Zhijiang University) and Yenching University, as well as his dedication to Chinese education.
Anxianyuan Cemetery in Banshan, Hangzhou · Tomb of John Leighton Stuart: Offer flowers at the final resting place of John Leighton Stuart to honor a man who deeply loved China all his life, and contemplate the ultimate value of life, faith, and universal love in the tranquility.
▎ Why are we re-approaching John Leighton Stuart today?
1. Mutual Learning Among Civilizations with Harmony in Diversity As a Westerner who grew up in China during his early years, John Leighton Stuart never placed himself outside of Chinese culture; instead, he strove to seek possibilities for understanding, respect, and communication between Chinese and Western civilizations. Looking back at him today also prompts us to reflect: How do we seek genuine understanding above "differences"? How do we recognize common humanity and shared values amidst distinctions? And how do we find a way for different civilizations to coexist with "harmony in diversity"? True mutual learning among civilizations is never about replacing one another, but about jointly discovering a broader human experience and spiritual world through understanding and respect.
2. Renewed Questions About Education John Leighton Stuart was primarily an educator. He founded Yenching University, aiming to cultivate individuals with independent personalities, local roots, global perspectives, and social responsibility through open and free education. Today, with the advent of the AI era and the continuous rediscussion of global educational concepts, we are compelled to think: What is the true purpose of education? What constitutes the core value of a "human being"? What kind of people should a truly great university educate? The explorations made by John Leighton Stuart and contemporary Chinese educators may still offer inspiration for us today.
3. Sincere Friendship in Sino-US People-to-People Exchanges The life of John Leighton Stuart was deeply intertwined with both China and the United States. Born in Hangzhou and raised in China, he loved Chinese culture deeply and forged profound friendships with many Chinese intellectuals, educators, students, and people from all walks of life of his time. These friendships are not merely names and correspondence in history, but long-term understanding, companionship, and mutual appreciation between real people. To look back at John Leighton Stuart is also to revisit the possibility of sincere interaction: people from different cultural backgrounds can still draw closer and establish genuine friendships based on shared ideals, emotions, and values.
4. The Life Foundation of Faith and Universal Love John Leighton Stuart was also a mature and sincere Christian. His family came to China because of their faith and devoted their entire lives to this land. His love for China was inseparable from the love of Christ. Regardless of religious background, one cannot ignore this state of existence: a person willing to offer long-term dedication, companionship, and commitment for the values they truly believe in. And for Christians today, this is also a life role model worthy of renewed reflection.
▎ Event Highlights
1. Not Just Historical Data, but a Real Person The event narratives are not a "tourist check-in" or a knowledge-cramming style, but rather the reconstruction of a real person through authentic historical details: How he faced his era; how he made choices; what joys and sorrows he experienced; how he built understanding across different cultures; and how he upheld his convictions in a complex reality. John Leighton Stuart is not merely a symbol from distant history; his perplexities, ideals, struggles, and persistence allow everyone to see reflections of themselves.
2. Letting the Body Experience History does not exist merely in words. Only by truly stepping into these places and physically touching the buildings, streets, campuses, and tombstones will the names and stories that originally lived on paper slowly become real. Through "walking," we let our "bodies" themselves feel the warmth left behind by history, eras, and individuals.
3. Themed Discussions and Sharings Following the on-site visits, we will arrange a "Themed Sharing and Dialogue" session. Every participant can express their observations, experiences, and reflections, generating new understanding and inspiration by listening to one another. In previous events, participants have engaged in discussions around topics such as "Education and University Spirit," "Sino-US People-to-People Friendship," "Chinese and Western Civilizational Exchanges," and "Faith and Life Care." Dialogues and sharings will form a vital part of this collective journey.
4. Forging Like-Minded Connections The event will also feature relaxed, warm interactive segments. Meaningful communication often occurs during shared walks and casual interactions. We set out driven by the same history and respect for the same individual; what we take away will not just be knowledge and photographs, but authentic connections, along with the understanding and recognition of "like-minded individuals."
V. Echoes from Past Events
Since April 2026, we have hosted a total of three events. Friends who have participated include:
Rev. Si Duoyong and his wife from Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province
Philanthropist, drama creator, and Chinese-American Rev. Huang Minjie
Rev. Wang Runtao from Haicheng, Liaoning Province
Rev. Zheng Jincan from Putian, Fujian Province
Wu Zhongyi, former contributor to the Gospel Times
Shi Guang, a senior journalist for Gospel Media
Bezalel, a Christian designer
Gen Z Christians Sun Wenrou and Jason
Chen Weijun, Dean of the Academy of World Civilizations and Adjunct Professor at Zhejiang University
Tang Xuefeng, Chairman of the Beijing Sanzhi Academy
Jiang Zaihong, Senior Engineer at the East China Architectural Design & Research Institute
Zhao Xuzhou, Executive Dean of the Longgang Academy
Yuan Shijun, Vice President of the Changshuo Painting and Calligraphy Academy
Zhang Hong, Vice Chairman of the Hu Shi Academy
"Fine are the footsteps from Yenching to Tianshui, Whether homeland or new land, it is always home. All for the dream of mild breezes and fruitful disciples, Clearing clouds and a bright moon, hoping for the rainbow." — Rev. Zheng Jincan from Putian, Fujian, inspired to write during the April 25 event
"My previous understanding from thin and superficial texts is far less than the emotional impact of a personal visit. This study tour featured professional, detailed explanations. Combined with the actual scenery of his former residence and his cemetery, it allowed me to break out of fragmented information, gain a more complete understanding of him, and more specifically feel everything he experienced." — Bezalel, a post-90s Christian designer
"As an educator and a Christian, he shouldered the duty to the Lord alongside the Chinese people, revitalizing education, enlightening minds, and participating widely in the genuine lives of the Chinese people. Through this, his life and death became forever connected to China." — Jason, a post-00s Christian
"When we trace a series of John Leighton Stuart's remarks, we discover a central thread running through his entire life: he pursued a vision where human civilizations could engage in dialogue and mutually fulfill one another. He held a profound vigilance against all high walls delineated by nation, region, or religion... When I arrived at John Leighton Stuart's tomb, I noticed that someone had obviously visited here before; both the wreaths and the Bibles were placed by Chinese people. It is said that death is not the end, but forgetting is. Thankfully, in this China to which John Leighton Stuart devoted his entire life, there are still people who remember him." — Shi Guang, a senior journalist for a Chinese Gospel Media outlet
VI.
Conclusion
We do not look back at history merely for the sake of nostalgia. Rather, we hope that in the process of re-understanding historical figures and their eras, we can more earnestly face today's world and our present selves.
In an era filled with changes and uncertainties, John Leighton Stuart's life still reminds us: transnational friendships between people are still possible; sincere understanding between different civilizations is still possible; education can shape character; and faith can bring about love and commitment. Those humanistic exchanges and people-to-people friendships that transcend cultures and eras are also constantly connecting us, bit by bit, promoting deeper understanding and dialogue between different countries and civilizations.
May this journey become a true step into history, as well as a path that illuminates the future.