On December 12, 2023, the Shu Dao Research Institute of China West Normal University was officially inaugurated in Chengdu, marking a significant step forward in the university's influence and expertise in Shu Dao research. The Institute, led by China West Normal University, collaborates with universities and research institutions along the Shu Dao route in Shaanxi, Gansu, Chongqing, and other provinces (municipalities) to promote the preservation and development of Shu Dao culture.

Shu Dao Research Institute of China West Normal University [Photo by Wang Xuyang]

Over the years, the university has employed an interdisciplinary approach, forming four specialized research teams that have advanced Shu Dao research. Significant progress has been made in areas such as document preservation, archaeological surveys, literature, art, and ecological studies.

Field Studies of Shu Dao  Conducted by China West Normal University

In addition to research achievements, the university has actively established research platforms, conducted field surveys, and collaborated with government organs and cultural institutions. These efforts have helped the Shu Dao Research Institute build a deeply integrated cross-regional and interdisciplinary framework. The institute is divided into two core institutions: the Documentation Center and the Academic Center. Together, they aim to create a richly resourced and diverse data-oriented Shu Dao Documentation Center and digital platform, facilitating cross-regional and interdisciplinary study and interpretation of Shu Dao.

Looking ahead, the Shu Dao Research Institute plans to establish a comprehensive research system focusing on the interpretation of Shu Dao, its cultural and ecological values, and its preservation and innovative development. The institute aims to become an internationally recognized platform for the preservation and advancement of Shu Dao.(By Wang Lu)