Peking University, September 6, 2024: Peking University (PKU) held an opening ceremony on Sept. 6, 2024, at the Wu-si Sports Center to welcome new students and inaugurate the 2024-25 academic year.


The convocation was chaired by Wang Bo, vice president and provost of PKU, and was attended by PKU Council Chair Hao Ping, President Gong Qihuang, along with faculty, guests, alumni, and family members.


The memorable occasion began early in the morning with engrossing performances by the PKU Staff Choir, PKU Orchestra, PKU Student Choir, PKU Fenglei Street Dance Club, kids from PKU Kindergarten, and contestants from the PKU Top Ten Singers Competition.

Following the performances, student and teacher representatives took the stage, delivering inspiring and valuable advice to the audience. 


Chen Pengyu, a first-year student from the Department of Chinese Language and Literature, shared how his dream of studying at Peking University was inspired by a quote from the renowned Chinese writer Lu Xun. The quote, shared by his middle school teacher as a graduation message, symbolizes how Peking University constantly renews itself while contributing to national progress. In his speech, Chen also emphasized the importance of acquiring knowledge, transforming passion into rigorous pursuits, dedicating oneself to the well-being of Chinese society, and adopting a global perspective.


Yang Qi, a Ph.D. student at the First School of Clinical Medicine, reflected on the numerous challenges and setbacks she faced as a medical student and the encouragement and support she received from her teachers. Looking ahead to her Ph.D. studies, Yang expressed her aspiration to become a compassionate doctor like her mentors, who "dispel darkness with warmth and light."


Prof. Pei Jian from the College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, speaking as a teacher representative, congratulated the incoming students on embarking on one of the most significant chapters of their lives. Sharing his own experiences at Peking University, Pei recalled the difficulties he faced in his early college years, which began 39 years ago. He reassured the students that setbacks are a natural part of life and encouraged them to stay confident that they will eventually find their way.

Prof. Pei emphasized that PKU offers a rich environment for exploration and growth, providing more than just academic skills. "It cultivates the ability to view the world dialectically, develop a broad vision, and form strong beliefs," he said, expressing confidence that these experiences would help students face challenges with resilience and become the backbone of society.


President Gong Qihuang delivered a keynote speech in which he highlighted the lifelong honor of being a Peking University student and the responsibility to serve the nation and contribute to China's modernization.

"Embrace your sense of mission and responsibility, and work diligently in the areas where the country and its people need you most," President Gong urged. "Make innovation your driving force... and make self-improvement and self-transcendence your goal." He added, "The paths you take in the future may differ, but with relentless effort, each path will be unique and rewarding."



In celebration of the upcoming Chinese Teacher’s Day on Sept. 10, students took the opportunity to express their gratitude to teachers from various schools and departments, offering flowers and heartfelt best wishes.



The lively convocation concluded with incoming students wearing the University badge for the first time and joining in the chorus of the anthem "Yan Yuan Qing." With this, their campus life officially began.


Reported and written by: An Bingjie, Jin Chuchu
Edited by: Dennis Meng
Photos by: Wang Tiantian, Li Xianghua, Liu Yueling, Yan Linlin, Hu Xiaodong, Zhang Lingxin, Pan Jianghui, Xiang Tingyan, Lin Feiyu, Cao Mengyao, Zheng Tao, Wang Ziqian, Huang Zhe, Yin Shushan, Xu Yifeng, Huang Xinru, Zhai Mengkun, Zhang Haoran, Lu Jia'ao