Tsinghua University held an opening ceremony and formally welcomed its new cohort of undergraduate students on Wednesday.

Tsinghua President Qiu Yong delivered a speech during the ceremony. Chen Xu,Tsinghua University Council Chairperson, also attended the ceremony, which was moderated by Tsinghua Vice President Peng Gang.

"Although some of our incoming students are still unable to come to the campus due to the pandemic, this special ceremony has brought us close together. From this moment, no matter where you are, your Tsinghua time has started simultaneously. No matter how things change, I hope you will make roots in the land, respect the people, shoulder your responsibilities, and make your unique contribution to society," said President Qiu. 

Tsinghua will greet over 3,800 new undergraduates this year. Of these, around 500 students attended the ceremony at the University Gymnasium, the main venue for the ceremony.

Other freshmen gathered in 21 venues around the campus to enjoy the opening ceremony with their peers. Meanwhile the ceremony was streamed world-wide in Chinese and English.  

Reporter: Sangeet Sangroula

Editors: Kevin Liang, John Olbrich

Photo by Guo Yihan, Huang Weilan, Huo Yuandong, Li Pai, Liu Lucheng, Liu Yu, Song Wei, Xu Gang, Zhao Qingsong, and Zhang Xiaoyu