From 129 to 130: the Zhejiang University community moves forward together

On the evening of May 21, as twilight descended gently upon Zijingang Campus, Zhejiang University welcomed alumni home for its 129th Anniversary celebration. Faculty, students, and alumni gathered in the enduring spirit of ‘seeking truth’ to renew cherished bonds, share memories and aspirations, and look together toward the future. United by a common vision, the ZJU community is advancing steadily toward the goal of building a globally outstanding innovation-driven university and standing at the forefront of world-class higher education.

President MA Yanming expressed his heartfelt gratitude to friends from all walks of life who have long supported ZJU and extended sincere greetings to the entire ZJU community. He reflected on the meaning of the University’s 129th anniversary as a moment that bridges heritage and hope. More than a continuation of a proud history spanning over a century, he said, it marks the beginning of a new journey toward the University’s 130th anniversary.

To stand at the forefront of the times, President Ma Yanming noted, ZJU must continue to embrace the mission and responsibility of a world-class university and strive to serve the nation’s development and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

On May 21, 2027, ZJU will celebrate its 130th anniversary. The occasion will belong not only to the ZJU community, but also to friends and partners around the world who have accompanied the University along its journey. On behalf of the University, President MA Yanming extended a warm and sincere invitation to alumni at home and abroad, partners from all sectors, and international friends: to return to ZJU for the anniversary celebration, to envision a new blueprint for world-class development, to build a shared home and carry forward its cultural heritage, and to embark on a new journey together in the enduring spirit of seeking truth.

President MA Yanming, joined by PAN Yunhe, CHEN Yunmin, and student representatives, unveiled the official countdown display for the University’s 130th anniversary.

During the event, faculty and student representatives jointly read the Announcement of Zhejiang University’s 130th Anniversary Celebration, extending a heartfelt invitation to distinguished guests and alumni across the globe to reunite at ZJU and celebrate this historic occasion together.

A university flag carries more than colors and symbols. It carries memory, tradition, and the spirit of generations. President MA Yanming presented the university flag to representatives of alumni, faculty, and students, officially launching the global “Passing the University Flag” campaign. The flag, bearing more than a century of glory and tradition, will journey across the world so that the spirit of seeking truth may continue to thrive through generations.

Executive Vice President WANG Lizhong, Vice President ZHOU Jianghong, CAS Fellow YE Zhizhen, Associate Vice President GU Zhen, and alumni representatives jointly launched the ZJU Shared Community Initiative. Guided by unwavering commitment and heartfelt dedication, the initiative aims to unite the entire ZJU community in building a common home together.

Through 129 years of change and renewal, ZJU has remained youthful in spirit and vibrant in endeavor. As the journey toward its 130th anniversary begins, a new chapter is unfolding. Hand in hand, the ZJU community will write the next splendid chapter of ZJU’s story, striving to build a globally outstanding innovation-driven university and contributing even more to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese modernization.

Adapted and translated from the article written by ZHANG Shufan, MAO Yixuan, YU Ziyi
Translator: FANG Fumin
Photo: ZHE Ying
Editor: DING Chenwei