On May 4, Peking University's 120th Anniversary celebration took place at the PKU Khoo Teck Puat Gymnasium, and was hosted by Hao Ping, Chair of the Peking University Council. The 120th anniversary is especially important in Chinese culture as it represents the conclusion of two jiǎzǐ (甲子), which is a cycle of sixty years in traditional Chinese chronology.

Faculty and students; university presidents; government leaders; alumni; and friends of PKU from different industries and fields from around the globe attended one of the most significant events in the university’s history.

Some of the guests included Tung Chee-hwa, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference; Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand; and Romano Prodi, former Prime Minister of Italy.

Hao Ping, Chair of the Peking University Council and host of the commemorative celebration, reading aloud the congratulatory letter that the university received from Li Keqiang, Premier of China.

Lin Huiqing, the Vice Minister of Education, speaking at the event.

Lin Keqing, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Beijing Municipal Committee and the Education Working Committee, speaking at the event.

Lin Jianhua, President of Peking University, delivers a speech on the topic of "Universities are a Bridge to the Future"

Peter Salovey, President of Yale University, representing presidents of overseas universities delivers a speech at the ceremony

Qiu Yong, President of Tsinghua University, representing presidents of China’s universities delivers a speech at the ceremony

The venue of the 120th Anniversary of Peking University Commemorative Celebration

Premier Li's Letter

May 3, 2018

On the occasion of the 120th anniversary of Peking University, I would like to extend my best wishes. I began my studies at Peking University in 1978, and PKU is my alma mater. I spent many years studying here, and it has been a lifelong benefit. Please convey my sincere greetings to the faculty and students at my alma mater.

Happy 120th birthday, Peking University!

Writer: Xu Haolun  

Editor: EAS

Photos: Wang Tiantian, Li Xianghua, Liu Yueling, Wang Xiaopeng, Yu Yanbin, Chang Zhidong

Designer: Xu Haolun