Renowned Historian Xu Zhuoyun Passes Away at 95: A Legacy of Academic Excellence and Cultural Reflection
Renowned historian Xu Zhuoyun passed away on August 4, 2025, in Pittsburgh, USA, at the age of 95. His death has garnered widespread attention, becoming a focal point of discussion on social media. Born in China (Fujian, Xiamen, with ancestral roots in Jiangsu, Wuxi), Xu was widely recognized for his profound academic achievements and accessible writing style, with his book "Eternal Rivers" becoming a bestseller. Not only an outstanding scholar, Xu also expressed his wish to "return to his roots," sparking online discussions about cultural identity and personal choices.
4 August 2025
Xu Zhuoyun was born on September 2, 1930, in Gulangyu, Xiamen, Fujian. He immigrated to the United States in 1970 and served as a retired chair professor at the University of Pittsburgh's Department of History. His research mainly focused on Chinese cultural history and socio-economic history, and he was known for his unique "macroscopic view of history." His trilogy on ancient China, including "History of the Western Zhou," "Discourse on Ancient Chinese Social History," and "Han Dynasty Agriculture," along with "Eternal Rivers" and "Speaking of China," were highly acclaimed. Xu received numerous awards, including the 2004 Association for Asian Studies Distinguished Contributions Award, the 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award at the 4th "Global Chinese National Studies Congress," and the 2022-2023 "Influential World Chinese Lifetime Achievement Award."
His passing was confirmed by multiple sources, including the Chiang Ching-kuo Foundation for International Scholarly Exchange. Xu's last update on his Weibo account was on July 24, 2025. Many media outlets and netizens expressed their condolences, quoting his famous sayings, such as his regret of not witnessing the reunification of China, which reflected his deep-seated patriotism. His advice to young people, "to establish oneself amidst turbulent times," also resonated widely.
Xu Zhuoyun's death is not only a significant loss to the historical and intellectual communities but also has far-reaching implications for society. It prompts us to consider how to better inherit and promote the excellent traditional Chinese culture while embracing the essence of foreign civilizations with an open mind. His scholarly experience and intellectual legacy offer important insights for building a more open, inclusive, and diversified society. His passing also reminds us to cherish scholars with independent thinking and humanistic care, as they are vital driving forces for social progress.
