During the Four Olds campaign, Red Guards destroyed countless ancient books and traditional calligraphy works because they were seen as symbols of the “Old Culture” and “Old Ideas” that the Communist Party wanted to eliminate. These items were considered “Olds” because they represented traditional Chinese thought, intellectual history, and values associated with the feudal past or bourgeois society.

These books and calligraphy held immense cultural and historical value, as they preserved centuries of Chinese literature, philosophy, art, and wisdom. They connected generations and reflected the rich intellectual heritage of China.

When these works were destroyed, a vital part of China’s cultural memory and identity was lost. The destruction broke the continuity of history and deprived future generations of access to their artistic and intellectual roots.

Buddhist and Taoist temples, along with religious statues such as those of Buddha, were targeted during the campaign because religion was viewed as superstition and a tool used by oppressive classes. These religious symbols were considered “Olds” because they represented beliefs and customs from China’s feudal past, which conflicted with communist ideology.

These temples and statues had great cultural and historical significance as centers of spiritual life, art, and architecture. They embodied centuries of religious tradition and cultural diversity in China.

Their destruction meant the loss of important architectural heritage and sacred community spaces. It also created a spiritual and cultural void, erasing a key part of China’s historical identity.

Traditional names of shops and streets, such as the “Great Prosperity Market” mentioned in Red Scarf Girl, were also destroyed or changed during the campaign. These names were seen as “Olds” because they symbolized capitalist values or historical references that clashed with revolutionary ideals.

These names carried cultural value by preserving local history, collective memory, and commercial traditions. They were part of the everyday urban identity and reflected the social and economic life of communities.

Replacing them with revolutionary names erased important historical and cultural nuances, imposing ideological uniformity. This loss weakened the connection between past and present and diminished the richness of urban life.