Ancient Neo-Confucianism refers to the philosophical trend of thought in the Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties. Also known as Taoism. It originated in the Northern Song Dynasty, prevailed in the Southern Song Dynasty, Yuan Dynasty and Ming Dynasty, and gradually declined after the middle of Qing Dynasty, but its influence continued until modern times. Neo-Confucianism in a broad sense refers to the whole philosophical trend of thought centered on discussing the fate of heaven, including hundred schools of thought of Cheng Hao; Neo-Confucianism in a narrow sense refers to the theory with reason as the highest category represented by Cheng Hao, Cheng Yi and Zhu, that is, Neo-Confucianism. Neo-Confucianism is the theoretical expression of social, economic and political development after the Northern Song Dynasty, the result of the long-term development of China's ancient philosophy, especially the direct product of criticizing Buddhism and Taoism. Neo-Confucianism occupies a particularly important position in the history of China's philosophy. It lasts for a long time, has great social influence, and discusses a wide range of issues.

Modern Neo-Confucianism refers to: Neo-Confucianism is an important subject in China university education, which refers to the study of the basic laws of natural material movement, and usually becomes a Bachelor of Science after graduating from university science. Together with literature, engineering, pedagogy and history, it constitutes the discipline system of higher education in China.