On September 9 to 11, 2016, the 18thannual meeting and seminar forliterature in Tang Dynasty was held in Southwest Jiaotong university. Chinese Institute of Tang Dynasty literature is famous for scale and influence among a number of Chinese academic groups. The international seminar for literature in Tang Dynasty has been the biggest academic conference in relevant area in China. It was the first time the meeting held in Sichuan province since its establishment. More than 140 scholars and experts from universities and institutes at home and abroad attended this meeting. The president of institute, professor Chen Shangjun from Fudan University, professor Mo Lifeng from Nanjing University, professor Lin Shuzhen from Taiwan Zhongxing University, Mr. Zhang Qinghua, Zhang Zhilie, Zhu Shangshu and other scholars attended the meeting.

On the morning of September 9, the opening ceremony was held in international conference hall of SWJTU. Leaders from the university, School of Humanities and Office of liberal arts attended the opening ceremony, which was hosted by professor Luo Ning from School of Humanities.

On behalf of SWJTU, professor Zhang Bin addressed the meeting and expressed the warm welcome toparticipants. He thanked all experts who had supportedand helped theliberal arts construction of SWJTU. The Party committee secretary from School of Humanities Xiang Zhongmin introduced major settings and development of School of Humanities. Secretary Xiang hoped that the development of Chinese subjects can get guidance by all present here as always.

Professor Chen Shangjun, the president of institute, also presented his gratitude to teachers and students of SWJTU as the meeting’s undertaker. He quoted the close relationship between Bashu area and literature. And he noticed the deep origin with Ji Tong university as well. He praised the leading advantages of SWJTU compared with other Ji Tong universities. He expressed that he and the institute will always ready to support the academic exchange and development of our School.

After the opening ceremony, experts and scholars took discussions all kinds of themes, such as literature in Tang Dynasty and Southwest area; Bashu poets; research of poet Li Bai and Du Fu; communication and influence of poetry of Tang Dynasty, etc. The board meeting was held and professor Luo Ning was elected executive director of the institute.

All issues were completed on time after two-day academic exchanges. The 18thannual meeting and seminar for literature in Tang Dynasty was successfully concluded on the morning of September 11. This meeting will have a positive impact on improving soft power and reputation of SWJTU, and promoting the establishment of Chinese subjects.