To celebrate World Book and Copyright Day on April 23, fully implement the spirit of the National Reading Promotion Regulations, and carry out the campus reading initiatives in Beijing, Beihang University held its 2026 Campus Reading Carnival under the theme "Books Across Mountains and Seas, Culture Nourishing Youth" from April 20 to 23. Centered on contemporary themes, the carnival integrates cultural promotion, discipline engagement, and student and faculty participation through diverse forms, sparking lasting enthusiasm for reading across campus.

During the carnival, key activities including book fairs, second-hand book markets, and group reading sessions were held simultaneously on both campuses, creating a vibrant cultural atmosphere on campus.

The book fair featured a wide selection of high-quality publications and cultural and creative products. In collaboration with the Beijing Book Fair, Beihang University Press brought premium reading resources to campus, setting up five themed zones to offer affordable and accessible reading experiences and meet the diverse cultural and reading needs of teachers and students. Interactive activities such as stamp collection and prize giveaways boosted participant engagement.

Upholding the philosophy of knowledge sharing and book recycling, the second-hand book market effectively revitalized idle book resources across the university. Co-organized by the Sino-French Engineer School and Zhizhen College, the event collected high-quality second-hand books including textbooks, teaching materials and extracurricular readings across the campus, promoting book circulation and peer knowledge exchange. Schools and colleges also designed featured interactive activities based on their disciplinary characteristics, advocating green reading and culture sharing.

The carnival offered a rich lineup of interactive reading events, creating a warm sharing atmosphere. The Shared Reading Sessions were held simultaneously on both campuses, inviting distinguished cultural and popular science guests to deliver sharing sessions. Renowned authors including Ling Chen, Xing He, Gong Haoqin, Wang Yanan, Bao Zhanguang and Ma Xiting gave insightful talks on topics including science fiction, aviation history, mental growth, and artistic appreciation. Concise and inspiring, these sessions built an immersive, close-range communication platform, enabling teachers and students to nourish their minds and draw strength from reading.

Beyond on-site interactions and sharing sessions, the carnival featured distinguished lectures, immersive reading experiences and themed exhibitions to enrich reading engagement. On April 22, renowned Chinese science fiction writer Wang Jinkang delivered a lecture at Beihang Leture Hall titled "The Next Manufacturing Revolution After 3D Printing: A Science Fiction Writer's Technological Vision," which was well received by students and faculty.

On April 23, World Book and Copyright Day, the University Library launched a "No-Phone Surprise Reading" activity, with 30 participants on each campus. The two-hour immersive reading experience helped readers stay away from digital distractions and embrace quiet reading time.

Meanwhile, the "Reading Flourishes Across China" public welfare advertisement exhibition was displayed at the Shahe Campus Library, featuring 40 outstanding national posters and photographic works themed on reading. The exhibition visualized the vision of national reading, and attracted teachers and students to visit, take photos and share online, making reading culture an integral part of campus life.

With a distinctive theme, diverse content and innovative formats, the carnival spanned both campuses for multiple days, greatly stimulating reading enthusiasm and strengthening the campus reading culture. In addition, the Student Center has installed public reading facilities in the student service hall and several dormitory buildings, providing convenient, accessible reading services and integrating reading into students' daily life.

Moving forward, Beihang University will continue to promote national reading, and guide young students to strengthen their ideals, cultivate refinement and improve comprehensive literacy through reading—letting the scent of books accompany students' growth and fine culture nourish the entire campus.

Editor: Liu Tingting