Abstract: Founded in 1986 and consistently committed to the mission of serving society throughout its 40-year development, Journal of Chuxiong Normal University, an academic journal grounded in central Yunnan Province, has successfully forged a distinctive and specialized path characterized by its focus on “local ethnic cultures.” This paper appraises its editorial practices over the past four decades, with a particular emphasis on its in-depth exploration and theoretical advancement of local ethnic cultures, its multidimensional interpretation of Chinese dietary culture, and its broader research on the protection, transmission, and innovation of intangible cultural heritage. By analyzing its column design, representative academic achievements, and scholarly influence over the past 40 years, the author aims to summarize the journal's outstanding accomplishments in constructing a distinctive academic discourse system, contributing to local economic and social development, and nurturing local academic researchers. The article also offers perspectives on the sustainable development path in the context of future digitization and internationalization of Journal of Chuxiong Normal University.

Key words: Journal of Chuxiong Normal University, 40 years, development of a journal, specialty column, academic contribution