Zhejiang University welcomes the 2026 cohort of new students

On the evening of September 13, Zhejiang University held its 2026 opening ceremony to welcome a new cohort of students. Undergraduate, master’s and doctoral students, including those joining the university from across the world, gathered together to celebrate a shared beginning — the first step of a journey filled with discovery, growth and possibility.

For these new ZJUers, campus life is not only about pursuing knowledge, but also about exploring who they are and how they can contribute to a changing world. Carrying their dreams, curiosity and aspirations, they are ready to write their own stories in ZJU’s long and continuing history.

A highlight of the ceremony was the passing on of the university flag, a powerful symbol of tradition and connection. REN Shaobo, Chairman of the ZJU Council, presented the flag to a student representative. As the 1,350-square-meter flag slowly unfolded across the venue and was carried around the field by flag bearers, the moment brought together thousands of people in a shared sense of belonging.

The flag represented far more than a university emblem. It carried the memories and aspirations of the ZJU community. Its journey from one generation to the next reflected the continuation of the university’s century-long Qiushi tradition, the dedication of countless ZJUers who have pursued excellence and served society, the hopes of today’s students as they embark on their own journeys, and the enduring bond connecting more than 700,000 ZJU alumni around the world with their alma mater.

“True happiness begins with inner exploration and personal growth — the fulfillment of the ‘individual self.’ More importantly, it comes from taking responsibility beyond oneself and embracing the well-being of society and the nation — the fulfillment of the ‘greater self.’”

In his speech titled “The path to happiness for ZJU students,” MA Yanming, President of ZJU, encouraged students to connect their personal dreams with broader social needs. He called on them to transform knowledge into capability, and capability into action, so that their learning could create meaningful value for society.

Entering Zhejiang University marks the beginning of a new adventure — one that will bring both challenges and opportunities. Here, students will learn from distinguished scholars, engage with cutting-edge research, explore new ideas across disciplines, and gradually grow from readers into innovators.

Speaking on behalf of the incoming cohort, TU Xitao, a doctoral student from the College of Optical Science and Engineering, shared his reflections on the journey ahead. Inspired by the characteristics of light in physics, he encouraged his fellow students to become a beam of calm and determined light — steady in the present while shining toward the future.

“Original aspiration determines why we set out; Qiushi guides where we are heading.” MA Keyi, a 2026 undergraduate student from the Chu Kochen Honors College, shared her expectations for university life. Looking back on her own growth journey, she expressed excitement about the opportunities for exploration, learning and discovery that await her and her peers at ZJU.

Witnessed by their teachers and mentors, all new students solemnly received and put on their ZJU badges. Resting close to their hearts, the badges represented not only their new identity as ZJUers, but also the responsibilities and aspirations passed down from generation to generation.

As the familiar melody of the alma mater filled the venue, students and faculty members stood together and sang in unison. The song carried the spirit of Qiushi — the pursuit of truth and innovation that has inspired the ZJU community.

At that moment, a simple badge became a bridge connecting the past and the future. The echoes of the alma mater carried the memories of those who came before, while the faces of the new students represented the possibilities yet to come. They arrived at ZJU carrying their own stories from the past, and they now set out on a new journey bearing a shared identity and mission.

From this day forward, the 2026 cohort will become part of ZJU’s continuing story. Together, they will explore new frontiers, embrace their responsibilities, and leave their marks in the world.

Adapted and translated from the article written by CHEN Siqing, WANG Yiming, CHEN Weibin
Photo: TING Guang, LI Chenhao
Translator: FANG Fumin
Editor: DING Chenwei