The era is the mother of thought, and practice is the source of theory. The vitality of theory lies in innovation, and the effectiveness of theory depends on the depth of its application in practice. The Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) deliberated and adopted the Decision of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on Further Comprehensively Deepening Reform and Advancing Chinese Modernization, which places special emphasis on “strengthening the ideological armament of the Party with its innovative theories.” In order to thoroughly study and implement the spirit of the Third Plenary Session, and to fulfill its social responsibility as a provincial key School of Marxism, teachers from the School of Marxism at Shenzhen University, at the beginning of the new semester, visited various districts, subdistricts, and communities across Shenzhen in groups to deliver the Party’s innovative theories to grassroots cadres and the public—contributing to the integration of scientific theory with grassroots practice.

Lu Yanduo: “Reflections on Building a Chinese Autonomous Knowledge System” (September 9, 2025)

On September 9, 2025, Assistant Professor Lu Yanduo delivered a lecture titled “Reflections on Building a Chinese Autonomous Knowledge System” at the New Era Civilization Practice Station of the Guozhan Community Service Center, Buji Subdistrict, Longgang District, Shenzhen.

Lu began by introducing the fundamental meaning and profound connotations of a “Chinese autonomous knowledge system.” She then elaborated on the current challenges and concrete pathways for constructing such a system in light of contemporary social development needs. Finally, she emphasized the multidimensional, mutually empowering relationship between the development of China’s autonomous knowledge system and grassroots governance.

Drawing on practical cases from local governance, Lu explained how, under the grand vision of accelerating the construction of an autonomous knowledge system, the deep integration of theory with grassroots work can provide both theoretical support and practical wisdom for local institutions.

Huang Jichao: “Cultural Confidence in the New Era” (September 17, 2025)

On the afternoon of September 17, Associate Professor Huang Jichao gave a talk titled “Cultural Confidence in the New Era” at the Guangming District New Era Civilization Practice Center.

Huang discussed the significance, direction, and practical approaches to strengthening cultural confidence in the new era. He analyzed the crucial role of culture as the soul of a nation, the distinctiveness of Chinese culture, and the unique characteristics of Chinese civilization. He also explored how cultural prosperity and development are vital for realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and meeting the people’s growing spiritual and cultural needs.

Li Yingxia: “Interpreting the Spirit of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee” (September 27, 2025)

On September 27, Assistant Professor Li Yingxia delivered a lecture at the Party-Mass Service Center in the Shum Yip UpperHills Complex, Futian District, titled “Interpreting the Spirit of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee.”

Li first highlighted the great significance of the session, held in a crucial year, and its strategic deployment for advancing Chinese modernization. Focusing on the theme of “further comprehensively deepening reform,” she analyzed its historical context and strategic goals, clarifying the direction and path of reform. Finally, grounding her talk in practical realities, she guided participants to align their thoughts and actions with the decisions of the Central Committee—transforming grand blueprints into concrete, enterprising practices that contribute to high-quality development.

Bao Yi: “Chinese Modernization—Interpreting the Spirit of the Third Plenary Session” (September 28, 2025)

On the afternoon of September 28, Associate Professor Bao Yi gave a lecture titled “Chinese Modernization: Interpreting the Spirit of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee” at the Rudaoguan Hall, 2nd Floor, New Era Civilization Practice Center, Bao’an District.

Drawing on his profound scholarship and engaging style, Bao elaborated on topics such as “the historical origins of Chinese modernization,” “comparative perspectives between China and other countries,” “the distinctive features of Chinese modernization,” and “its global significance.” Using clear and accessible language, he transformed theoretical concepts into familiar expressions that resonated with the audience, seamlessly integrating academic discourse with everyday communication. The event drew a full house, with attentive listeners taking detailed notes amid a deeply immersive learning atmosphere.

Liu Zhi: “Emancipation of the Mind—The Enduring Driving Force Behind Deepening Reform and Opening-up” (September 29, 2025)

On September 29, Professor Liu Zhi, Dean of the School of Marxism and Executive Dean of the Institute for Reform and Opening-up at Shenzhen University, delivered a lecture titled “Emancipation of the Mind: The Enduring Driving Force Behind Deepening Reform and Opening-up” at Meilin Subdistrict, Futian District.

Professor Liu offered an in-depth analysis of how emancipating the mind has always been the forerunner of both practical exploration and theoretical innovation in China’s reform and opening-up. From the perspective of Marxist philosophy, he stressed that upholding truth from facts and pursuing theoretical innovation are fundamental requirements of dialectical materialism—and constitute the essential driving force for tackling current challenges and deepening reform. His lecture was rigorous in logic yet accessible in expression, sparking enthusiastic responses. Participants remarked that the talk combined theoretical depth with practical relevance, serving as a powerful ideological mobilization that inspired a deeper understanding of China’s reform journey and the nation’s ongoing mission.

Continuing the Journey: Theoretical Innovation Reaches the Grassroots

Under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, China has embarked on a new journey toward building a modern socialist country in all respects. On this new journey, it is essential to be guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era—to truly study, comprehend, and apply it in practice; to internalize it deeply and act upon it; and to transform theoretical achievements into concrete results in work and development.

The School of Marxism at Shenzhen University will continue advancing the Party’s innovative theories into the daily lives of the people, helping to arm grassroots cadres with scientific theory and to guide the practice of the masses with innovative thought.