On August 18, 2025, Liu Shalu, a Year‑2 PhD student from the School of Education, City University of Macau, was invited to the 2025 Shanghai Book Fair for the New Book Launch & Chinese Traditional Music Appreciation Event, presenting her academic monograph An Overview of Jiangnan Sizhu Culture and Analysis of Classic Pieces, published by Shanghai Music Publishing House. The book, completed during her first two years of doctoral studies, received wide attention.

The event was guided by the Publicity Department of the CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee (Shanghai Municipal Press and Publication Bureau). As one of the most influential cultural events in Shanghai and nationwide, and a key component of the ‘Scholarly Shanghai’ initiative under the Action Plan for Building Shanghai into an Exemplary Base for Xi Jinping Thought on Culture, the Shanghai Book Fair serves as an important platform for showcasing national cultural soft power and advancing the innovative development of fine traditional Chinese culture. Focusing on Jiangnan Sizhu, a national-level intangible cultural heritage, Liu’s monograph systematically traces its historical evolution and artistic essence. Based on extensive fieldwork, including interviews with renowned artists and major music groups, the book collects and deeply analyzes classic Sizhu pieces spanning both traditional and contemporary styles, offering new perspectives for the dynamic inheritance and innovative development of this precious musical heritage.

The launch ceremony began with a speech by Ms. Li Juan, Deputy Director of Shanghai Music Publishing House. Distinguished guests and the author jointly unveiled the new book. Ms. Gong Bei, Director of Shanghai Music Publishing House, presented the book to the Shanghai Traditional Chinese Music Research Association. Distinguished scholars and artists in attendance included: Professor Sun Wenyan, renowned guzheng educator and performer, Professor at Shanghai Conservatory of Music, President of Shanghai Traditional Chinese Music Research Association, and representative inheritor of Jiangnan Sizhu and Zhejiang School Guzheng (Shanghai municipal intangible cultural heritage); Professor Li Hanying, celebrated composer and music producer, recipient of the Outstanding Musician Award of Chinese Pop Music (representative work: I Really Miss You); Mr. He Xiaodong, Vice President of Shanghai Traditional Chinese Music Research Association and inheritor of Zhejiang School Guzheng and Jiangnan Sizhu (Shanghai municipal intangible cultural heritage).

During the event, Liu Shalu shared her research motivation and insights, and sincerely thanked her supervisors, peers, and all who supported the publication. After the sharing session, she performed on stage with members of the Shanghai Xunfeng Chinese Music Ensemble, which has appeared many times on CCTV’s Elegant Chinese Music program. Together they presented four acclaimed Jiangnan Sizhu pieces blending traditional charm and modern expression, delivering a spectacular audio‑visual experience for the audience.

Liu’s successful appearance at the Shanghai Book Fair not only recognizes her academic achievements but also reflects the educational philosophy and accomplishments of the School of Education, City University of Macau. Guided by the university motto “Morality, Erudition, and Practice”, the University encourages students to deepen their professional expertise, embrace social responsibility, and uphold the mission of cultural inheritance. Liu’s research, rooted in fine traditional Chinese culture, exemplifies the school’s commitment to integrating academic research with social service, and uniting theoretical learning with field practice. It also highlights the school’s outstanding achievements in nurturing high-level talents with strong humanistic literacy, solid research capacity, and a profound sense of social responsibility.