| During the Republic of China period, there were three major literary societies in Shanghai, namely Nanshe, Mingshe, and Xishe. The predecessor of Mingshe was Qiusheng Poetry Society, established in 1916. Over the course of more than 30 years of development, the society had attracted hundreds of members. The regular activities of the poetry society mainly involved setting poetic themes and soliciting compositions, as well as scholarly exchanges, with numerous works published in its journal "Mingshe Magazine". Through literary compilation, Mingshe consciously constructed distinctive regional literary characteristics. The lifestyles and activities of the literati group endowed their gatherings with multiple cultural connotations. Urban experiences and natural landscapes served as two key interpretive dimensions. As the regular venue for their gatherings, YU Baoqing frequently hosted fellow members at Mei Garden. Amid social turmoil and cultural decline, advocating refined tastes and commemorating deceased members became spiritual bonds among Mingshe members. |