Top scholars of China's oral history unveil the nameplate of the Center for Oral History Research at Nantong University on May 30. [Photo/ntu.edu.cn]

The Center for Oral History Research of Nantong University was established on May 30 in Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province.

Pu Yuzhong, secretary of the Communist Party of China Nantong University committee and Zhu Shoutong, director of the Center for Chinese History and Culture of the University of Macau, were appointed as the board chairman of the center and the director of its academic committee respectively.

Oral history is a method of historical research which has drawn increasing attention from international academic circles in recent years.

China established its first oral history research institute in December 2004. The first of such institutions in Jiangsu province was set up in 2015.

To date, several universities in the province, including Yangzhou University and Nanjing University, have developed oral history research platforms."Nantong, with its profound culture and history, is rich in oral history resources that Nantong University can take advantage of," said Zhu.

A sub-center in Haimen was also unveiled the same day. Located at the Zhang Jian Cultural Tourist Site, it will integrate the collection of oral history in Haimen with the development of local intangible cultural heritage items, such as redwood carving.

The center will also partner with culture and tourism departments at all levels to help preserve local history, giving it full play in promoting social and economic development.