Abstract
The majority of studies on Cai Xiang have focused on his calligraphy, for which he was famous. However, despite the fact that he also gained fame for his participation in the Qingli reform movement, Cai Xiang’s political thought has been largely ignored. This thesis analyzes Cai’s political thought as well as his practical policy proposals. This analysis shows that in terms of ideology, Cai followed the dao of the sages, whereas in terms of practical politics he accorded with a more general dao. This thesis argues that Cai’s political thought was not theoretically sophisticated, and that his ideas were intended to solve concrete problems. By discussing the political thought and practice of Cai Xiang,we can shed light on the history of the Northern Song Dynasty and the activities of central and local government officials.