For a century, the pursuit of learning has never ceased, and Tsinghua’s humanistic tradition has been passed down through generations. On August 29, the Tsinghua Humanities Centennial Exhibition opened at the Tsinghua University Art Museum. Drawing on rare historical materials, archival footage, and academic documents, the exhibition traces the origins and development of humanistic scholarship at Tsinghua, brings historic humanistic landmarks back to life, highlights leading scholars, and showcases landmark achievements. It reveals the commitment and sense of responsibility with which Tsinghua’s humanities have advanced with the times and shared the destiny of the nation.
The exhibition is organized into six thematic sections, following a narrative structure that moves from spiritual origins and physical spaces to key figures, achievements and contributions, the transmission of the legacy to younger generations, and visions for the future. Through a variety of exhibition formats, the six sections offer visitors an immersive experience of the century-long development and enduring spirit of the humanities at Tsinghua.
Of particular note is a selection of precious artifacts on display, including a camera once used by Zhao Yuanren, a seal carved by Wen Yiduo for Hua Luogeng, an inkstone that Qian Jibo presented to Qian Zhongshu, the manuscript of Yang Jiang’s We Three, Chen Daisun’s faculty badge, a jinghu presented by Zhu Rongji to Tsinghua’s Peking Opera troupe, and a copy of Erya Yishu that survived a fire.
The first section traces the development of the humanities at Tsinghua and offers a sweeping view of the evolution of the University’s humanities disciplines. The second section brings Tsinghua’s humanistic heritage to life through scenes, moments, and snapshots from the past, making it tangible and vividly present. The third section invites visitors to encounter leading figures in the humanities who once walked the Tsinghua campus. Through their personal notes, books they once read, and writing implements they once used, visitors can gain a sense of their integrity and breadth of mind, as well as their scholarship and character.
Faculty Badge of National South-West Associated University Worn by Chen Daisun (No. 191)
Collection of the Tsinghua University Archives, 1939
A Camera Once Used by Zhao Yuanren
Collection of the Tsinghua University Archives, c. 1938–1948
The fourth section presents the research achievements of Tsinghua scholars in the humanities, including honors, awards, and publications. It highlights the ideas and reflections that emerged from their intellectual journeys, helping visitors appreciate how these ideas have served as guiding lights for those who followed. The fifth section showcases the rich and varied lives of Tsinghua students. Through the exhibits, visitors can experience the vitality of youth and see how young people have grown on campus before setting out into the wider world. The sixth section brings the exhibition to a close with 12 interview videos and an interactive area where visitors are invited to take part in and witness the future development of the humanities at Tsinghua.
Tsinghua Sports Team Uniform, 1960s
Collection of the Division of Sports Science and Physical Education, Tsinghua University, 1960s
Building a World-Class Lineup of Journals in Philosophy and Social Sciences
Looking back at the development of Tsinghua’s humanities, the century-old dedication to scholarship has remained rooted in a continuous tradition. When the Institute of Chinese Classics was established in 1925, its call to “seek out the soul of China” still echoes a century later. The commitment of earlier generations of scholars to academic independence resonates with today’s mission of developing an independent knowledge system for Chinese philosophy and social sciences.
A new century for the humanities at Tsinghua has now begun with a renewed sense of mission.
Editors: Li Han, John Paul Grima
