By Li Han

Staff Writer of the Tsinghua News Center

The foundation for Tsinghua’s New Xuetang was laid on April 27. Tsinghua University President Gu Binglin, University Council Chairman Chen Xi, Honorary Chairman of the University Council Wang Dazhong and other Tsinghua University leaders as well as guests and alumni were present for the ceremony.

The New Tsinghua Xuetang covers 33,000 square meters and seats over 2,200. Four Tsinghua Alumni--Chi Yufeng, Xu Hang, Song Ge, and Fang Fang--donated a total of $32 million to construct the building designed by academician Li Daozeng, a professor at Tsinghua’s School of Architecture. The building will be finished at the end of 2010 and become a landmark for Tsinghua’s 100th Anniversary celebration in 2011. The New Xuetang will serve as a venue for high-level academic exchanges and arts performances.