港大中文學院

CALL FOR PAPERS

Conference on "Transnational China in Retrospect"

Organizer: School of Chinese, The University of Hong Kong

Date: 31 January 2026 (Sat)

Venue: CRT-7.28, 7.29 & 7.30, 7/F, Run Run Shaw Tower, Centennial Campus, The University of Hong Kong

Keynote Speaker: Prof. XU Guoqi (Department of History, HKU)

Mode of Participation: In-person ONLY

Submission of Abstract/Paper:

Please submit your 250-300 words abstract, including a one-page CV, to the organizing committee by
email to transnationalchinainretrospect@gmail.com

We welcome single-author or co-author submission about transnational history, literature or cultural
studies of China, broadly defined, for example:
● China and world literature
● Literary reception and cross-cultural studies
● Intercultural communication
● Gender discourse of China in a global context
● Wartime China
● History of science and technology in China
● History of International relations and diplomacy
● Intellectual history of global China
● Chinese economy and world trade
● Translation studies

Eligibility of Submission:

1) Undergraduate students (Year 3 or above);

2) Masters students of Taught Postgraduate Programmes;

3) Early career research staff without a PhD degree (e.g. research assistants/associates) in different academic
institutions.

Dateline:

Abstract submission opens: August 15, 2025

Abstract submission deadline: November 21, 2025

Notification of acceptance: December 26, 2025

About the Conference:

In recent years, the theme “transnational China in a global perspective” has gained significant attention. Intellectuals from the globe contribute a lot of academic insights to construct a more diverse, dynamic and heterogeneous China. This is the first series of conferences bringing students and early career scholars who are researching transnational history and culture of China together. Also, it aims to provide an inclusive communication environment for early career scholars, or students who have potential in humanities disciplines, to share their research experiences in a university setting.

Through keynote lectures, panel discussions and paper presentations, the conference will foster intellectual engagement and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in transnational history and culture of China. By bringing together experts and emerging scholars, this event will facilitate meaningful discussions and promote networking opportunities for future research collaborations.

The primary objectives of the Transnational China in Retrospect are as follows:
1. To promote interdisciplinary research on transnational China.
2. To encourage dialogue between scholars from diverse backgrounds and foster a deeper understanding of its global significance.
3. To foster new academic insights about transnational China in academia.
4. To enhance the Faculty of Arts as the research hub of transnational history and culture of China.

Advisory Board (in alphabetical order):

Prof. John Mark Carroll is Principal Lecturer in the Department of History at the University of Hong Kong. He is also the Chair and Chief Examiner, MA in Hong Kong History.
Prof. Chan Hok Yin is Professor in the Department of Chinese and History of City University of Hong Kong. His research activities mainly focus on the intellectual history of the Republic of China.
Prof. Chu Ming Kin is an Associate Professor in Chinese History and Culture in the School of Chinese at the University of Hong Kong. His research interests include political, educational, institutional, social and cultural history in Middle-period China and Chinese historiography.
Prof. Stephen Chu Yiu Wai is Professor of Hong Kong Studies program in The University of Hong Kong. He is also a Fellow of the Hong Kong Academy of Humanities. He has a very wide range of research interests, and published voluminous books and articles on topics including postcolonialism, Canto pop
music, globalization, and different dimensions of Hong Kong culture etc.
Prof. Daniel F. Vukovich is a Professor and the Chairperson at the Department of Comparative Literature, the University of Hong Kong. He is currently the Director of the new China, Humanities, and Global Studies research hub at the University of Hong Kong. His research interests mainly include colonialism,
imperialism and politics concerning the China-West problem.
Prof. Xu Guoqi is David H. Y. Chang Professor of Chinese History, the Inaugural Kerry Group Professor of Globalization History (2017-2022). He is also the Founding Director of The Institute of Transnational History of China at The University of Hong Kong.

Presentation Time:
Each presenter will have 15-20 minutes to present their paper, followed by a Q&A session or panel discussion.

Reminders:
Please contact transnationalchinainretrospect@gmail.com if you have any inquiry. Unfortunately, this conference is unable to provide financial assistance to cover travelling expenses.