On September 6, Beihang University held an opening ceremony to welcome the incoming undergraduate and graduate students across its Xueyuan Road Campus, Shahe Campus, and Hangzhou International Campus via synchronous live streaming. A total of 13,708 new students—including 4,425 undergraduates, 8,751 graduates, and 532 international students—gathered at the three campuses in two cities to set off on a new voyage.

Xueyuan Road campus

Shahe Campus

Hangzhou International Campus

Attending the ceremony were Beihang Secretary of the Party Committee Zhao Changlu, President Wang Yunpeng, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee Liu Shuchun, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Discipline Inspection Commission Secretary Liu Hongcang, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee Cheng Bo, Vice Presidents Lyu Weifeng, Zhao Weisheng, Lyu Jinhu, Deng Yi, and Wu Jianghao, faculty representative Jiao Zongxia, alumni representative Rao Wei, along with assistant presidents, standing committee members of the Party committee, deans of schools and colleges, heads of university departments, and freshman counselors. The ceremony was presided over by Deng Yi.

The event began solemnly with a national flag-raising ceremony, followed by all participants singing the national anthem.

In a symbolic moment, Zhao Changlu presented school badges to student representatives. Across all campuses, new students proudly wore these badges, embracing their identity as Beihang members with pride and responsibility.

Yu Xinhui, an undergraduate from Shen Yuan Honors College and among the first cohort of the Quantum Science and Technology Pioneer Program, spoke as the representative of undergraduate freshmen. She expressed her aspirations for contributing to aerospace and serving the nation through science.

Sun Yuxuan, a graduate student from the School of Transportation Science and Engineering, spoke on behalf of all new graduate students. He shared his experience as a choir member at the event commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, and emphasized the importance of grounding ideals in national aerospace endeavors.

International student representative Danna Bustamante Barragán from Colombia, who will study international business at the Hangzhou International Campus, spoke about embracing Beihang's vision of "inclusiveness, innovation, and cooperation" and contributing to a global community with a shared future.

Lyu Zhengzhe, a Ph.D. candidate from the Research Institute of Aero-Engine, delivered a speech as the representative of current students. He shared his youthful journey of making the most of his time and striving diligently during his studies at Beihang University, and encouraged students to embrace the courage to dream, the passion to create, and the resolve to take responsibility.

The university leaders presented the letters of appointment to the representatives of freshman counselors, recognizing their role in holistic student development.

Professor Jiao Zongxia, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, addressed as a representative of the faculty. He encouraged students to deeply understand Beihang's heritage and mission, set ambitious goals to lead global technological development, and delve into cutting-edge scientific fields.

Rao Wei, a researcher at China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation and a 1989 undergraduate alumnus of the School of Astronautics at Beihang University, spoke as a representative of the alumni. He shared reflections from his student years at Beihang and his experience dedicating himself to the aerospace industry. He advised students to maintain curiosity, foster innovation, and develop resilience.

Wang Yunpeng extended a warm welcome to the new students and reflected on Beihang's 73-year commitment to aerospace education and national service. He highlighted the university's contributions to advanced technologies showcased during the recent military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

In his address, President Wang encouraged students to become proactive learners and determined doers. He offered three pieces of advice for students: first, be diligent in thinking, practicing, and communicating to turn ideas into clear paths and build a solid foundation; second, maintain composure and balance persistence with patience to achieve long-term goals; third, foster teamwork, trust, and collaboration to excel both individually and collectively. He concluded by urging students to integrate personal ideals with national modernization goals, seeking knowledge while grounding efforts in practice.

The ceremony concluded with all participants singing the university anthem "Look up at the Starry Sky," marking the official start of the new academic journey for the new students.

Editor: Lyu Xingyun