Tsinghua University held an opening ceremony to welcome its incoming undergraduates on August 21. Around 4,000 undergraduates embarked on a new journey at Tsinghua in 2025.

Leaders of the University attended the ceremony, including Qiu Yong, Li Luming, Xiang Botao, Zeng Rong, Guo Yong, Zhao Gang, Xu Qinghong, Wang Hongwei, Bai Benfeng, and Wu Huaqiang. Tsinghua Vice President Peng Gang presided over the ceremony.

The main venue of the opening ceremony

Qiu Yong (right) pins a Tsinghua badge for a new student representative.

Qiu Yong, secretary of the CPC Tsinghua University Committee, pinned a Tsinghua badge for the undergraduate student representative.

Li Luming addresses the ceremony.

Tsinghua University President Li Luming delivered a speech and extended his heartfelt congratulations and warm welcome to incoming freshmen on behalf of teachers, students, and staff. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. He said that the National Southwest Associated University represents a remarkable chapter in Tsinghua’s history that deserves to be remembered. The spirit of “Perseverance, Fortitude, and Excellence” is deeply rooted in Tsinghua’s history and traditions, serving as a concentrated embodiment of the University motto “Self-Discipline and Social Commitment” at a time of national crisis. He expressed his hope that the students will carry forward the great spirit of resisting aggression, inherit the precious legacy left by the faculty and students of the National Southwest Associated University, pursue diligent study and steadfast practice, dare to take the lead, remain perseverance, fortitude, and excellence, work diligently and proactively, and shoulder responsibilities in the cause of building a strong nation and realizing national rejuvenation.

Zhang Li delivers a speech.

Professor Zhang Li from the School of Architecture and dean of Tsinghua’s Zijing College, on behalf of all the faculty members, delivered a speech encouraging students to understand and connect with others, refine a better self, and contribute to the country, the nation, and a shared, brighter future for humanity.

Li Buyan delivers a speech.

Li Buyan, president of the Tsinghua Student Union, encouraged freshmen to strive for self-improvement and personal growth, embrace the collective and unite strengths, engage with the spirit of the times and set lofty ideals. Through the nurturing and education of Tsinghua, freshmen were encouraged to discover meaningful aspirations and coordinates for their lives.

Xu Ruize delivers a speech.

Xu Ruize, a freshman representative and a student of Tsinghua’s Shuimu College, shared his growth experience and feelings about coming to the Tsinghua campus. He looks forward to joining the students in upholding the original aspirations, courageously shouldering the mission to serve the nation, moving forward together with the spirit of the new era, and dedicating youthful efforts to the journey of national rejuvenation.

Freshmen attend the opening ceremony.

Tsinghua University held the opening ceremony in a hybrid online and offline format. Besides the main venue at the University Gymnasium, eight venues were set up across campus for freshmen’s families and friends. The event was also live-streamed on the "Rain Classroom" platform.

Editors: JP, Li Han