Autumn waters glisten and gentle breezes prevail. On September 10th, the 42nd Teachers’ Day, Zhejiang University held the grand opening ceremony for its 2026 intake of international students in the lecture hall of the Main Library. International freshmen from across the globe gathered by the Qizhen Lake. As new members of the ZJU, they officially embarked on a new chapter of their academic journey in Qiushi Campus.

Zhou Jianghong, the Vice President of Zhejiang University, attended the ceremony and make a speech. On behalf of the university, he extended a warm welcome and sincere congratulations to all 2026 international freshmen, and sent festive greetings to hardworking faculty members. He noted that Zhejiang University has always upheld the spirit of “Seeking Truth and Pursuing Innovation”, committed to nurturing outstanding talents capable of leading the future. He put forward three hopes for the students: first, embrace changes and stay committed to truth-seeking. In the era of rapid artificial intelligence development, leverage technology to expand capabilities while maintaining independent thinking and rational judgment, and respect facts and academia. Second, integrate knowledge with practice and promote mutual understanding. Learn about China and understand the world through classroom studies and social practice, and develop a broad global vision amid cross-cultural exchanges. Third, create together and demonstrate responsibility. Translate professional expertise into capabilities to solve practical problems, and build a better future with youthful wisdom and actions.

Professor Wang Li, recipient of ZJU’s “My Favourite Supervisor for International Students”, shared three insights with freshmen based on his own experience studying, working and conducting overseas research at Zhejiang University. Learn to ask questions, for a good question marks the beginning of genuine learning and research. Learning to verify, as a sound conclusion must stand the test of facts and evidence. Learning to collaborate, for mutual inspiration and support within a team helps us go further. He sent his best wishes to the new students: “After years of study at ZJU, what you take away is not merely a diploma, but the abilities of independent thinking, rational judgment and teamwork.”

Muhammad Junaid Khan, a Pakistani doctoral student and winner of the 2025 NSFC Excellent Foreign Doctoral Student Award, spoke as the representative of current international students. Drawing on his growth experience at ZJU, he encouraged freshmen to adapt quickly to academic and campus life and actively integrate into the multicultural environment. He stated, “At ZJU, we are not only knowledge recipients, but also knowledge innovators. We shall grow from those who can read books to those who can create.”

Li Qingzhou, a Russian freshman of the 2026 intake, spoke on behalf of new students. She shared the origin of her Chinese given name, derived from Li Qingzhao, a poet of the Song Dynasty. The name embodies inner resilience like Li Qingzhao and the joy of moving forward like a small boat. “I hope to gain knowledge in class, communicate with Chinese and international peers on campus, and experience a genuine, multi-dimensional and warm China.”

All faculty and students stood up and sang the Zhejiang University Anthem. Within the melodious tune, the Qiushi spirit passes from generation to generation.

Before the official ceremony, international students presented brilliant opening performances, bringing vibrant energy to the venue. Six students from different countries staged a music-poetry-painting show Studying at ZJU, Perceiving China — We Set Off from ZJU, telling stories of their social practices in rural communities, grassroots sites and overseas regions.

Heads of member units of the ZJU Committee for International Student Administration, heads of schools and departments for international student training, and faculty representatives attended the ceremony.

May the new students set off from the banks of Qizhen Lake, explore the unknown with a truth-seeking heart, embrace the world with an open mind, build the future with a sense of responsibility, and write their own youthful chapters in Qiushi Garden.。