Beijing Forestry University held its 2026 opening ceremony for new students on August 28 at the Tin Kaping Gymnasium, despite a light autumn rain. A total of 7,332 new students from across China and 46 countries gathered to begin their journey in ecological civilization.

All university leaders attended the ceremony, along with faculty deans, department heads, and representatives of alumni and parents.

The ceremony began with a flag‑raising and the national anthem. University leaders presented the university badge to student representatives, while all new students pinned their badges simultaneously. Wang Tao, Chairman of University Council, BFU, presented books to student representatives, including works on ecological civilization and Chinese philosophy, encouraging students to embrace the harmony between humanity and nature.

President Li Zhaohu delivered a speech titled "Root Like Bamboo, Grow Beyond Boundaries--Becoming Responsible Young BFUers for a New Era". Using the university's "Jilin II" bamboo‑based offshore solar platform as an example, he drew three lessons from bamboo: integrity, openness, and resilience. He urged students to align personal aspirations with national ecological goals, embrace interdisciplinary learning, and turn knowledge into innovation.

Vice Party Secretary Nan Jue presided over the ceremony, noting that the rain was both nature's gift and a fitting start to their journey as guardians of green mountains and clear waters.

Alumna Liu Xian, recipient of the National Outstanding Communist Youth League title, shared her career journey and encouraged students to grow through perseverance. Professor Niu Shihui, a national high‑level talent, advised students to take the harder path and pursue curiosity‑driven exploration.

Graduate student representative Wang Shujie from the School of Forestry pledged to dedicate herself to scientific research and national service. Undergraduate representative Zhao Yuhe shared how his hometown's river was restored through ecological efforts, calling on fellow students to be as clear and resilient as water, and to embrace interdisciplinary innovation.

The ceremony concluded with a student pledge led by Xu Xixi, head of BFU's Ecological Civilization Doctoral Lecturers Group, marking the start of the new students' journey at BFU.

Written by Yang Yinan
Translated and edited by Song He
Reviewed by Yu Yangyang