Red Culture and the Innovation of United Front Work in Chinese Higher Education: A Case Study of a Local Normal University

Abstract

This study examines Yuzhang Normal University in Jiangxi Province, China, as a representative case to address prevailing challenges in contemporary united front work within higher education—specifically, the lack of cultural leadership and insufficient innovation in communication and engagement mechanisms. It proposes a novel empowerment model centered on the “Three Integrations and Three Promotions” framework: integrating red cultural genes into ideological guidance, embedding regional characteristics into innovative platforms, and aligning teacher-training attributes with practical service delivery. This model establishes a united front practice system tailored to the unique context of local normal universities. Empirical findings reveal that leveraging Nanchang’s rich red cultural resources—through curriculum infusion, immersive learning experiences, and practice-based transformation—significantly enhances the political identity of non-Party intellectuals and strengthens the role of united front work in serving local development. Drawing from practical experience, the paper further proposes strategic innovations in institutional design, digital empowerment, and multi-stakeholder collaboration, offering valuable insights for the high-quality advancement of united front initiatives in regional higher education institutions.