The Way Of The Gentleman: A Gathering Of Chess And Wine — Opening Ceremony Of The 2024 Junpin Xijiu Chinese Go Team Invitation Tournament

In the picturesque setting of the Xijiu Business Experience Center by the banks of the Chishui River, where the aroma of fine wine mingles with the spirit of the game, the opening ceremony of the "Way of the Gentleman: A Gathering of Chess and Wine" 2024 Junpin Xijiu Chinese Go Team Invitation Tournament took place on October 10. This event is jointly organized by the Chinese Go Association and Guizhou Xijiu Co., Ltd., with support from the Guizhou Go Association and the Xishui Education and Sports Bureau.

Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Junpin Xijiu Chinese Go Team Invitation Tournament

Notable guests in attendance included Nie Weiping, Honorary Chairman of the Chinese Go Association and renowned Go master; Gu Li, Vice President of the Chinese Go Association; Chen Lingkai, Deputy Secretary-General of the Chinese Go Association; Cao Dayuan, Honorary President of the Shandong Go Association and renowned Go master; Wang Dmiao, President of the Guizhou Go Association; and Zeng Fanjun, member of the Party Committee and Deputy General Manager of Xijiu Group. Other attendees included representatives from participating teams and the media.

Speech by Gu Li

On behalf of the Chinese Go Association, Gu Li delivered a warm congratulatory message for the opening of the tournament. He emphasized that Go, as a quintessential element of Chinese culture, enjoys a broad and profound social foundation. It has long been regarded as one of the “Eight Elegances” in traditional Chinese culture, alongside music, calligraphy, painting, poetry, wine, flowers, and tea, and has been a fundamental practice for countless scholars over the centuries. This tournament represents a perfect blend of Go and wine culture, showcasing an innovative practice resulting from the deep integration of these two traditional cultures in contemporary society. The principles of Go emphasize gentlemanly culture, which aligns perfectly with the core spirit of Junpin Xijiu. He expressed hope that all participants would demonstrate style and skill, fully appreciating the limitless charm of "playing Go and enjoying Junpin."

Speech by Zeng Fanjun

Zeng Fanjun extended a warm welcome and heartfelt gratitude to all the leaders and guests present on behalf of Xijiu Group. He remarked that it was an honor for Xijiu to co-host this event with the Chinese Go Association and contribute to the development of Go in China. As a state-owned enterprise under the leadership of the Party, Xijiu has drawn from traditional Chinese culture, gradually formulating its core values centered on "Respect for the Dao, Commitment to Principles, Honoring Business, and Caring for Others," alongside corporate virtues of "Knowing Respect, Understanding Gratitude, Practicing Humility, and Embracing Compassion." He expressed the hope that this tournament would deepen the exchange of chess and wine cultures, contributing to the prosperity and development of outstanding traditional Chinese culture.

Opening ceremony

Chess and wine chant together, a gentleman's elegant affair.At the opening ceremony, amidst the enthusiastic applause, the leaders and guests in attendance took the stage to perform the Go ceremony together, each representing the black and white sides as they placed their stones on the board, completing the opening ceremony. Thus, a unique Go feast began.

Sweeping the stones in the forest to set up the chessboard, dividing the spring water under the rock to pass the wine cups. The 2024 Junpin Xijiu Chinese Go Team Invitational Tournament lasts for two days, during which time, Go masters Nie Weiping, Ma Xiaochun, and Cao Dayuan will be present at the scene. 16 elite teams from across the nation will clash in the Xunbu Valley, jointly staging a pinnacle confrontation of wisdom and strategy.

Event site

Go is one of the oldest and most complex intellectual games invented by the Chinese nation, while wine has a long-standing history intertwined with Chinese culture. Both Go and wine cultures are integral parts of China's rich traditional heritage. This tournament coincides with the "Sauce Wine Culture Festival," representing a perfect fusion of chess and wine cultures, as well as a transmission and innovation of traditional culture. It is hoped that this event will enhance the brilliance of both Go and wine, shining with the dazzling light of Chinese civilization in the new era.