Zhu Xi (1130-1200) was a prominent scholar of the Southern Song Dynasty and a renowned philosopher, educator, and the synthesizer of Neo-Confucianism. His courtesy name was Yuanhui, and he was also known by the names Huian, Huiwang, and Ziyang. He was born in Wuyuan, a historical county in Huizhou. In 1148, Zhu Xi passed the imperial examination and obtained the jinshi degree, which qualified him for an official position. He served in various roles, including as a Secretariat editor and an official of the Bureau of Literature. After his death, he was posthumously honored as a Grand Master and granted the title of Duke of Huiguo.

Zhu Xi's career experienced many ups and downs, but he devoted himself to scholarly pursuits. He made significant contributions in a wide range of fields, including philosophy, classical studies, education, phonetics, literature, geography, archaeology, and natural sciences. His philosophical system, known for its broadness, meticulousness, and inclusiveness, became famous in the history of Chinese thought as "extensive, profound, and encompassing all the past generations."

Together with Cheng Hao, Cheng Yi, and others, Zhu Xi co-founded the school of Neo-Confucianism known as the "Cheng-Zhu School." It became the orthodox official philosophy in China, following in the footsteps of Confucius, and had a lasting influence on Chinese intellectual discourse for seven to eight centuries. Zhu Xi's teachings spread beyond China and had a global impact.

Zhu Xi placed great importance on education and established academies. His work "Guidelines for White Deer Grotto Academy" had a profound influence on later generations' educational endeavors. He was a prolific writer, and among his extensive writings, the 58-volume "Commentary on the Four Books" became a "sacred text" for the imperial examinations during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

He often used the pseudonym "Xin'an Zhu Xi" to sign his works and conducted lectures in Huizhou. He had numerous disciples, and the "Zhu Xi School" formed the foundation of the "Xin'an School of Neo-Confucianism," which, in turn, became the rational core of Huizhou culture.