Message from the Chair of the University Council
Message from the Chair of the University Council
Welcome to Peking University! As the successor of the supreme imperial university and precursor of modern Chinese university, Peking University is the most prestigious institution of higher learning with a glorious history and esteemed cultural tradition that extends over a century. Peking University stood at the center of China's New Culture Movement, formed as the cradle of the May 4th Movement, and was the birthplace of modern ideas of democracy and science in China in the early 1900's. Peking University has contributed greatly to the impetus and development of our nation, making extraordinary contributions to the enlightenment of modern Chinese society. Since its establishment in 1898, the core values of Peking University have been developed and refined to capture the true essence of Peking University, which is today embodied by the traditions of "patriotism, progress, democracy, and science," the academic virtues of "diligence, precision, factualism, and innovation," and our guideline for the institutional operation is "pursuing truth and excellence, cultivating talent, academic prosperity, serving the people and society."
In addition to its culturally significant architectures and attractive landscape, including the Weiming Lake of shining waves and the elegant and dignified Boya Tower, Peking University is also renowned for its respected educational leaders and faculties, distinguished scholars, active student body, and an spirit of "academic freedom and inclusiveness". These features constitute the invaluable treasures of our university and its way of life. Peking University was first to establish the basic disciplines of mathematics, physics, chemistry and geology, creating the space for internationally renowned academic achievements including crystallized bovine insulin, laser typesetting technology and the Stratton Model of elementary particles. We have been privileged to have outstanding faculty members like academician Huang Kun, the recipient of the 2001 China's National Top Prize in Science & Technology, to represent Peking University and lead research teams in their discoveries.
Peking University has been an active participant and contributor to China's proud history. It has developed into a comprehensive university offering courses in the natural sciences, engineering sciences, humanities, social sciences, and medicine. Peking University is today striving to establish itself as a world-class university.
