The Academic Symposium on “Local History from Multiple Perspectives” and the First Taizhou University Local History Forum were held at the university from November 21st to 23rd. Professor Chen Lingqiang, Secretary of the Party Committee of the School of Humanities, Professor Chao Xiaohong, Director of the Library of Xiamen University and Professor of the School of History and Cultural Heritage, and Professor Chen Hongchao, Vice Dean of the College of Humanities at Wenzhou University, attended the opening ceremony and delivered speeches. The opening ceremony was hosted by Professor Zhang Chengzhong, Head of the Department of History at the School of Humanities.

Speeches by Leaders and Guests at the Opening Ceremony

In his address, Secretary Chen Lingqiang pointed out that Taizhou, renowned as the “Source of Buddhism and Taoism,” boasts a profound historical and cultural heritage and has nurtured a distinctive “Harmony and Union Culture.” Local history and culture have always been one of the key research directions at TU. The university has established a solid foundation in the field of local history. He expressed hope that this seminar would further promote academic exchanges and provide strong support for the compilation of the major cultural project, “The General History of Taizhou.”

Professor Chao Xiaohong elaborated on the theme of the conference from the perspective of the essence of local history research, integrating the regional social characteristics of Zhejiang, especially Taizhou. He also expressed his anticipation that the conference would bring new momentum to the study of local history.

Professor Chen Hongchao reviewed the close historical and cultural ties between Wenzhou and Taizhou. He highly praised the long-term interaction and cooperation between the humanities disciplines of the two universities and expressed a desire to further deepen exchanges.

During the keynote speech session, three experts delved into key issues in local history research. Professor Chao Xiaohong delivered a report titled “Local Chronicles, Landscapes, and Reflections on Their Research.” Professor Shu Jian from the Department of History at Shanghai University shared his study on “Ports, Buddhist Temples, and Envoys: Interactions Between Taizhou and Goryeo During the Song and Yuan Dynasties.” Professor Yang Qifu from the Department of History at Zhejiang Gongshang University presented an analysis titled “The Book Collection Activities of Jiangnan Scholar Guan Tingfen in the Late Qing Dynasty.”

Professors Chao Xiaohong, Shu Jian, and Yang Qifu Delivering Keynote Speeches

The group discussions were divided into two parallel sessions, covering topics such as local institutions and social structures, excavated texts and historical documents, regional economies and urban spaces, as well as religious cultures and ethnic relations. Scholars present engaged in in-depth exchanges on core issues in local history research. Several young faculty members from TU also shared their recent research findings at the conference.

Jiawei and Xu Ke from TU Delivering Reports

At the closing ceremony, the attending experts unanimously affirmed that the seminar was well-focused and substantial in content. They highlighted that it not only demonstrated the breadth of local history research but also established a high-quality platform for academic collaboration among universities. Moving forward, all parties agreed to further strengthen cooperation in areas such as historical data compilation, digital humanities, and regional comparative studies, jointly promoting the continued advancement of local history research.

Hosted by the School of Humanities of TU and organized by its Department of History, the conference gathered experts and scholars from a wide range of universities and research institutions. These included Xiamen University, Shanghai University, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hunan University, East China Normal University, Ningbo University, Wenzhou University, Zhejiang University of Finance and Economics, Zhejiang Normal University, Minzu University of China, Yangzhou University, Anhui Normal University, Jinan University, Shantou University, Hunan Normal University, Fujian Normal University, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Anshun University, Taizhou University, Shanghai Ancient Books Publishing House, and Taizhou Museum.

As the first local history forum held by TU, the conference achieved fruitful outcomes, laying a solid foundation for the university to further advance local history studies and contribute to regional cultural development. In the future, TU will continue to integrate academic resources to support the preservation of local culture and the progress of urban civilization.