On the evening of November 8, the 18th session of the "Starlit Night Talk" series, themed "Reform and Opening-Up," was hosted by the Party Committee of the School of Marxism at Shenzhen University. This unique ideological and political education session led teachers and students to revisit the great journey of reform and opening-up, further inspiring their confidence and determination in the nation’s ongoing prosperity and development.
The event was attended by Wang Hong, Member of the Standing Committee of Shenzhen University’s Party Committee and Secretary of the Party Committee of the School of Marxism; Dean Liu Zhi; Vice Deans Zhang Shoukui and Sun Tingting; Ren Heng; Deputy Party Secretary Wang Ping; Deputy Director of the Party and Administrative Office Cui Wuqiang; Deputy Director of the Publicity Department Yang Zhenyu; and young ideological and political teachers Feng Jinyu, Luo Jing, Li Shengtao, Li Ming, Li Tianling, Chen Xiangyu, and Yin Wengui, along with over 100 representatives from various departments in the "Lighthouse Training Camp." The event also welcomed Professor Michael Nakula from the University of Pennsylvania and teachers from Northeast Normal University.
At the start of the event, Secretary Wang Hong warmly reviewed Shenzhen’s remarkable journey as a “pioneer” in reform and opening-up. She highlighted that this city was born of reform, prospered because of it, and grew stronger with it. History shows that the achievements of reform and opening-up have come through boldness, determination, and practical work. As a frontier of reform, Shenzhen embodies a spirit of daring, a drive for innovation, and a commitment to action. In its mission to become a model area of socialism with Chinese characteristics, the city continues to carry forward the “Shenzhen Spirit.” She encouraged students to take up the mantle as the main force in the reform cause, urging them to embody the “pioneering spirit” of reform with the vigor of “newborn calves,” the persistence of “exploring bulls,” and the diligence of “old oxen” as they advance on this new path of reform and opening-up.
Professor Michael Nakula expressed his deep impressions from visiting Shenzhen University. He described the trip as an “incredible journey” and felt honored to participate in the School of Marxism’s “Starlit Night Talk.” He highly praised the energetic spirit of the Chinese students, noting that they are crafting a vibrant chapter of their youth.
Starlight Illuminates the Path of Reform: A Historical Relay Revisits the Journey of Reform and Opening-Up
Remembering history allows us to better anchor ourselves in the present and look toward the future. Over Shenzhen’s more than 40 years of remarkable progress, numerous significant historical events have marked the city’s rise. Holding star-shaped lights symbolizing hope and dreams, the students of the School of Marxism passionately reviewed each milestone in China’s reform journey from 1978 to 2024. Under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China, people across the country have advanced reform with the unwavering belief that it is a continuous process with no endpoint. This vivid historical relay not only deepened everyone’s understanding of the reform journey but also inspired confidence and determination for the future, showcasing the sense of responsibility and mission of today’s youth.
Starlight Illuminates a New Journey: Micro Party Lesson Conveys the Spirit of Reform and Opening-Up
Next came the classic segment of the Starlit Night Talk—the “Starlit Micro Party Lesson.” Dean Liu Zhi, along with teachers Yin Wengui and Li Shengtao, delivered a themed ideological and political lesson on reform and opening-up.
Dean Liu Zhi, focusing on the theme, encouraged young students to study reform and opening-up from diverse perspectives and to elevate practical experiences into theoretical insights. He urged them to extract general principles from these experiences as a means to address current and future challenges. He emphasized the importance of reflection and critical thinking, encouraging students to seek roots and push their understanding from instinctive to conscious awareness.
Yin Wengui pointed out the significant historical importance of reform and opening-up, stating, "Without reform and opening-up, there is no way forward." He emphasized that it is a long-term and continuous process of social transformation, with content that grows and develops over time. While acknowledging the achievements of reform, he also stressed the need to bravely face future challenges, maintaining the vitality and momentum of reform and opening-up. Li Shengtao illustrated how reform has greatly stimulated technological innovation and development and accelerated social and cultural transformation, using Shenzhen’s shift from the "Lychee Culture Festival" to the "Technology Culture Festival" as an example.
Starlight Reflects the Spirit of Reform: Stories Relive the Glorious Years
In the "Starlit Story Sharing" segment, four students shared personal stories reflecting the profound impact of reform and opening-up. Zhu Yunling recounted the transformation of "Fisherman’s Village," which evolved from a poor, underdeveloped area into the first village with million-yuan households in the country. Zhang Nan shared her perspective on cultural development, describing Shenzhen as a city with both its own cultural foundation and a dynamic blend of diverse cultures from across the nation, enriching its cultural identity. Luo Yang introduced Shenzhen’s "Peacock Plan," noting that its success, fueled by reform, brought new vitality and hope to the city and contributed to its sustainable growth. Finally, Li Yuying reflected on visiting the university's history museum, expressing her commitment to following in the footsteps of Shenzhen University’s pioneers, working diligently to create new achievements. These stories not only highlighted the immense changes that reform and opening-up brought to individuals and society but also reminded the younger generation to remember history, carry forward the spirit of reform, pursue excellence, and forge ahead.
Starlight Guides the Future: Teachers’ Messages Inspire Youth to Forge Ahead
Next, the attending teachers shared heartfelt messages with the students. First, they encouraged them to maintain an open mindset, embrace diversity, pursue self-renewal, and strive for progress. Just as the country needs reform and opening-up, individuals do as well. Second, they advised students to both “look to the stars” and “keep their feet on the ground,” combining dreams with action, rooted in reform, with diligence and resilience. The youth’s vigor and pioneering spirit are essential to the country’s advancement. Third, they urged students to be well-versed in history, drawing strength from the past, integrating wisdom from both Chinese and Western perspectives, and innovating while grounded in the present to become core contributors to the nation’s future.
New Ideas Call for New Actions, New Missions Demand New Responsibilities. The 20th Party Congress’s Third Plenary Session recently made a significant decision to deepen reform and promote Chinese-style modernization. Tonight, on this ground of reform and opening-up, teachers and students gathered with enthusiasm, singing “The Story of Spring” and “Me and My Motherland.” The powerful melodies reflected the students' admiration for the spirit of reform and their profound love for the country, inspiring both teachers and students to continue forward with vigor on the great journey of reform in the new era.
