Peking University, December 4, 2023: Professor Li Ling from PKU's Department of Chinese Language and Literature has been conferred with the prestigious 2023 "Léon Vandermeersch Prize of Chinese Studies." 

This award, instituted by the Academy of Inscriptions and Belle-Letters of France and supported by the Hong Kong Mingyuan Foundation, commemorates the exceptional contributions of the French sinologist Léon Vandermeersch (Wang Demai). Professor Li was confirmed to be the award recipient during the award evaluation meeting held by the Academy of Inscriptions and Belle-Letters of France and the Hong Kong Mingyuan Foundation in May earlier this year. 

Professor Li is recognized for his outstanding achievements in the study of Chinese unearthed documents, with a particular focus on the Chu Bamboo and Silk. The accolade also acknowledges his notable contributions to the research on material culture in ancient China, as well as his numerous original and creative academic accomplishments in this field.
During the award ceremony, Professor Li Ling, via a video link, reminisced about his prolific career spanning the fields of archaeology, ancient words, classical literature, and art history, in which he collaborated extensively with French sinologists. 

In his acceptance speech, he underscored the enduring legacy of Sino-French academic exchanges and expressed his gratitude for the lasting support from his French colleagues. "Long live the Chinese-French academic exchanges!" Prof. Li said, in closing his speech.
Written by: Goh Yi Ru
Edited by: Yang Ruoxiang
Source: Department of Chinese Language and Literature