With a gentle evening breeze and stars shining over Nanyan Yuan, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School (PKU Shenzhen) launched its 2026 “First Run of the Academic Year” on the evening of September 3 under the theme “Chasing Dreams at Nanyan Yuan, Running Toward the Future.”
More than 1,000 incoming students from the Class of 2026 gathered at the sports field. With youthful energy and determined strides, they marked the beginning of a new chapter in their graduate studies.
Event Highlights
Teams from Across PKU Shenzhen
The event was attended by Yang Dan, Deputy District Mayor of Nanshan District and Director of the Nanshan District Development and Reform Bureau; Lin Yang, Deputy Director of the Nanshan District Science, Technology and Innovation Bureau; Xu Gangliang, Level IV Researcher of Taoyuan Subdistrict and Deputy Head of the Preparatory Team for Shenzhen University Town Operations and Management; Liu Zufan, a 1985 undergraduate alumnus of Peking University’s Department of Economics and Management, President of the Peking University Hong Kong Alumni Association, and Senior Economic Researcher at Bank of China (Hong Kong); Tan Wenchang, Party Secretary of PKU Shenzhen; Vice Chancellors Wang Tianbing, Niu Hongwei and Tian Yonghong; An Xiaopeng, Deputy Party Secretary and Secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission; and Liu Haihua, Deputy Party Secretary.
Also in attendance were leaders of the schools and administrative departments, newly appointed faculty and staff representatives, current students, and all incoming students of the Class of 2026.
Zhang Shan, Olympic shooting champion, national-level senior coach, and Deputy Team Leader and Coach of China’s shotgun shooting team, was specially invited to the event. The event was hosted by Ren Junyu, a 2024 master’s student at Peking University HSBC Business School.
University Leaders and Guests
Drawing on the highs and lows of her own career in competitive shooting, Zhang Shan shared her understanding of sportsmanship. She noted that the value of sport lies not only in reaching the top, but also in the courage and perseverance to begin again after setbacks, as well as in a sense of responsibility to one’s country.
She encouraged the incoming students to see both research and life as a long-distance run: to move forward with drive while also learning the value of patience and persistence. She encouraged students to make exercise part of their daily lives, build strong bodies and resilient minds, and begin their graduate journey with determination and courage.
Speaking on behalf of alumni, Liu Zufan welcomed and congratulated the Class of 2026. Referring to Cai Yuanpei’s belief that physical education is fundamental to the development of a well-rounded person, Liu described the “First Run of the Academic Year” as a distinctive first lesson at Peking University.
He compared running to both study and life, stressing the importance of staying true to one’s aspirations and moving forward steadily. Looking to the opportunities presented by the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, he encouraged students to pursue academic excellence while remaining attentive to the wider world, engage with society, and seize the opportunities offered by the development of Shenzhen and Hong Kong.
He added that the Peking University Hong Kong Alumni Association stands ready to build bridges for communication and exchange. He encouraged students to remain curious, cultivate resilience, value the companions they meet along the way, and pursue their aspirations with both a strong body and an open mind.
Zhang Shan and Liu Zufan Deliver Remarks
Wang Zefeng and Ma Chensi from the Physical Education Teaching and Research Office of the School of Humanitiesand Social Sciences led faculty members and students in a pre-run warm-up.
To upbeat music, participants followed a series ofmovements, including neck rotations, shouldercircles, and lunges, stretching their muscles and warming up their joints. The lively atmosphere quickly energized the field as everyone prepared for the run.
Warm-up Session
“The 2026 PKU Shenzhen First Run of the Academic Year officially begins!”
Following Tan Wenchang’s announcement, the guests fired thestarting horns together. The sound echoed through the night, instantly energizing the crowd.
Faculty members and students surged across the starting line, their steady footsteps and enthusiastic cheers coming together in a vibrant celebration of youth at Nanyan Yuan.
Guests Fire theStartingHorns
University leaders and faculty representatives ran alongside the incoming students. Footsteps,cheers, and laughter blended together as groups of runners moved forward beneath the evening lights, filling Nanyan Yuan with warmth and youthful energy.
Faculty and Students Begin the Run
As the melody of “Ode to the Motherland” filled Nanyan Yuan, faculty members and students joined together in song. Their voices rose into the night as a giant five-starred red flag was slowly unfurled beneath the lights.
Participants gathered around the national flag, waving small lights in their hands and expressing their love for the country through song.
Welcoming the National Flag and Singing “Ode to the Motherland”
The familiar melody of “Ode to Yanyuan” followed. Its opening lines evoked a shared spiritual memory among generations of PKU students, expressing both a deep attachment to the University and a celebration of youthful ideals.
As the song came to an end, the crowd raised their arms and called out together, “For a stronger nation, youth will make a difference!”
Their resounding voices echoed across Nanyan Yuan, a spirited response from a new generation of students to the opportunities and responsibilities of their time.
Singing “Affection for Yanyuan”
A drone then rose into the nightsky, carrying a cluster of balloons printed with the 25th anniversary emblem and the logos of the different schools. Floating upward against the stars, the colorful balloons illuminated the sky above Nanyan Yuan.
As students and faculty looked up, applause and cheers spread through the crowd, adding another memorable moment to the evening.
Toward the end of the event, participants gathered on the track and around the giant national flag for photos.
Students who completed the 2-kilometer and 5-kilometer running challenges checked in at the finishlines and received commemorative gifts. After the run, participants also enjoyed slices of watermelon prepared by the campus dining service, adding a refreshing and cheerful touch to the evening.
The 2026 “First Run of the Academic Year” concluded in a warm and lively atmosphere.
