Editor's note:

Surrounded by the vibrant, blooming Cercis chinensis and fragrant Syringa oblata of late April, students, faculty, and returning alumni gathered from across the globe for the 115th anniversary of Tsinghua University. Underneath the warm spring sun, the campus became a place of reunions, reflections, and shared memories. Let us follow the highlights from this spectacular weekend and relive the moments that made Tsinghua’s 115th birthday truly unforgettable.

Tsinghua’s sporting tradition was on display across campus tracks and courts. At 7:00 a.m. on April 25, hundreds of runners gathered at the West Sports Field for the anniversary relay run, passing the baton and completing 115 laps to represent the University’s 115 years. The following day, the 69th “Ma Yuehan Cup” Students Track and Field Sports Meeting opened at the East Sports Field. The 10th Alumni Badminton Tournament and the Alumni Tennis League also brought together generations of TsinghuaRen, renewing bonds through sport.

The 115th anniversary also coincided with important milestones for several academic disciplines at Tsinghua. At the School of Economics and Management’s new building, alumni and faculty gathered for the 100th anniversary of the Department of Economics, reflecting on its century-long development and future direction. The Auditorium hosted a conference on the next century of development for the School of Life Sciences, where scholars discussed the future of biological research. Similar meetings were also held by the Department of Chemistry, the School of Social Sciences, and the Department of Industrial Engineering, reflecting the continued growth of Tsinghua’s academic community.

Beyond the classrooms and tracks, a series of activities showcasing culture, arts, and cutting-edge technology was held across the university grounds. At the South Student Activity Center, the 44th "Challenge Cup" Exhibition unveiled outstanding student research achievements, proving that for Tsinghua students, boundaries are always meant to be challenged and surpassed. On the lawn in front of the Auditorium, student musicians gave lively performances during the Anniversary Lawn Concert, adding music and warmth to the spring campus.

The anniversary also brought alumni back to familiar places on campus. Libraries, laboratories, and student dormitories were opened for tours, giving visitors the chance to revisit spaces connected to their Tsinghua memories. Students and alumni also joined a blood donation drive and volunteering activities, carrying forward the University’s tradition of public service.

As the anniversary weekend came to a close, the campus was filled with reunion, reflection, and a renewed sense of belonging. Alumni, students, faculty, and staff came together to honor the University’s history and strengthen their ties to its community. To all alumni who returned for the 115th anniversary: welcome home.

Special | Tsinghua 115: A return to campus, a look to the future

Writer: Jihae Hong

Editors: Gillian Tang, Fang Si

Photographers: Li Pai, Huo Yuandong, Zhang Wenyu, Wen Yanlong, Yuan Jie, Yang Yuhan, Jiang Xinyu, Zhong Luliang, Kang Yuchen, Li Hengrun, Wan Linpu, Lv Jinglin, Jia Huihao, Chen Zhuo, Zhong Hao, Guo Xuyang

Designer: Fang Si

Reviewers: Chen Ken, Lin Yuan