A new beginning, a new journey, and new aspirations. On August 31, Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU) held its opening ceremony for the 2026 new student cohort at the Chang'an Campus. More than 13,000 new students from around the world gathered at NPU, pursuing their dreams and passions as they embarked on an exciting new chapter in their lives.
Zhang Yunming, Chairman of the Board of Trustees; Song Baowei, President of NPU and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE); Fan Huitao, distinguished alumnus of NPU, missile expert, and Academician of the CAE; Huang Wei, Chairman of the University Academic Committee and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS); Zhang Weihong, Vice Chairman of the University Affairs Committee and Academician of the CAS; Zhang Yanning and Yang Kunde, Academicians of the CAS; all University leaders; heads of academic units and administrative departments; faculty representatives; and representatives of new students’ parents attended the ceremony. The ceremony was presided over by Zhang Fuli, Vice President of NPU.
At 7:30 a.m., the national anthem was played, marking the opening of the ceremony.
President's Address: Carrying Forward the Legacy of Chief Engineers and Shouldering the Mission of the Times
President Song Baowei delivered an opening address entitled “Carrying Forward the Legacy of Chief Engineers and Shouldering the Mission of the Times.”
He noted that NPU was founded amid the flames of war at a time when the Chinese nation faced grave peril. Throughout its history, NPU has remained committed to the pursuit of “nurturing talent for the Party and forging a powerful sword for the country.” Rooted in western China and dedicated to national defense, NPU has always has advanced in step with the country’s development and strategic needs . It has provided strong support for ensuring the independent, secure, and controllable development of key core technologies in national defense, supporting the development of weapons and equipment, and promoting national economic growth. Generations of the NPU community have upheld the ethos of “working in obscurity and forging swords for the nation” Guided by NPU's motto of Loyalty, Integrity, Courage, and Perseverance and the spirit of Strong Preparation, Diligent Effort, Practical Attitude, and Creative Innovation, they have devoted themselves to the forefront of national defense science and technology in the fields of aeronautics, astronautics, and marine engineering. Undaunted by difficulties and committed to overcoming challenges, they have truly grounded their research in the needs of the nation and embedded their research achievements in some of the nation’s most important strategic technologies and major engineering systems. President Song encouraged the students to:
First, cultivate a deep sense of commitment to the nation and strengthen their resolve to serve the nation through dedication and contribution;second, remain diligent in learning and persistent in academic inquiry, while building solid capabilities through rigorous inquiry and a practical approach; third, have the courage to explore and innovate, and develop the initiative and confidence to experiment, take on challenges, and break new ground; and fourth, develop sound character and pursue well-rounded and balanced development. He encouraged the students to stand at this new starting point in life, carry forward NPU’s revolutionary heritage and the legacy of its chief engineers in serving the nation, and remain committed to the country,study diligently and act with pragmatism, innovate boldly, and take responsibility with courage. He also called on them to align their youthful aspirations and personal ambitions with the broader national endeavor to strengthen the country and its defense capabilities and to advance high-level self-reliance and strength in science and technology. In doing so, he encouraged them grow into young people of the new era with firm convictions, strong capabilities, a spirit of dedication, and the ability to shoulder important responsibilities.
Faculty Encouragement: Becoming Irreplaceable in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Professor Shang Xuequn, a nationally recognized leading talent and a faculty representative from the School of Computer Science, delivered remarks on behalf of all faculty members. She noted that at a time when artificial intelligence is advancing at a rapid pace, the better AI becomes at “completing tasks,” the more valuable human judgment, practical ability, and sense of responsibility become.She shared three expectations for the students’ future development. First, maintain the courage to ask questions. In their future studies, students should not be afraid to ask “why.” They should learn to discover questions in the ordinary and seek the truth amid uncertainty. Second, cultivate the spirit of practice. Through practice, students should continuously test what they learn and deepen their understanding. Being diligent in thought, hands-on work, and action is among the most reliable paths to academic growth. Third, find a passion worth pursuing throughout life. Choose something meaningful and devote yourself to it for a lifetime. In the age of intelligence, strive to become an irreplaceable member of NPU who is capable of shouldering important responsibilities.
Alumni Message Carrying Forward NPU’s Spirit and Contributing to a Stronger China
Fan Huitao, a distinguished alumnus of NPU, an expert in air-to-air missiles, and an Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), extended his heartfelt best wishes to the younger students. He shared his journey from an technical professional to a chief designer of major weapon systems, recounting how he led his team over the course of a decade to achieve a generational leap forward in China’s air-to-air missile development. He encouraged the students to uphold NPU’s ethos of “Strong Preparation, Diligent Effort, Practical Attitude,” cherish every opportunity to learn, and build a solid foundation in their chosen fields, so that solid knowledge and professional competence would give them the confidence to meet future challenges. He also urged them to cultivate resilience, never lose heart in the face of setbacks, and remain steadfast in times of adversity, treating every setback as an opportunity to learn and grow and growing stronger through adversity and difficult challenges. Above all, he encouraged them to foster a deep sense of responsibility toward their country,devote their youth to the development of China’s aviation and aerospace endeavors, and pursue their aspirations wherever they are most needed by the nation.
Freshmen’s Aspirations: Embracing Their Mission and Pursuing Excellence through Action
Xian Xuan, a 2026 undergraduate student in the Chen Shilu Feitian Class of the School of Astronautics and representative of the incoming undergraduate class, shared his journey of making the resolute choice to join NPU. On behalf of all the freshmen, he made a solemn commitment to his youth and future: to ground himself in concrete action, uphold the university’s ethos of “Strong Preparation, Diligent Effort, Practical Attitude, and Creative Innovation,” devote himself wholeheartedly to learning, and pursue excellence in his chosen field; to take innovation as his wings, make the most of the university’s top-tier research platforms, and dare to question and explore in scientific and technological innovation competitions; and to take devotion to the country as his guiding spirit, engrave the university motto of “Dedication, Integrity, Courage, and Perseverance” deep in his heart, integrate his personal aspirations into the great cause of strengthening China and its armed forces, and let the brilliance of youth shine on the journey of contributing to the “Aero-Space-Maritime” cluster of Aeronautics, Astronautics, and Marine Engineering.
Yang Haonan, a 2026 master’s student fromthe Unmanned System Research Institute
and representative of the incoming graduate students, shared that over the past four years, through classroom learning, laboratory research, and social practice, he had gradually come to understand the profound meaning of “forging the sword for the nation.” Looking ahead, he will continue to devote himself to the field of unmanned systems, conduct research in response to national needs, and remain true to his original aspiration. He will also actively engage in science popularization and social practice, realize his personal value through service and dedication, and move forward with determination along the path of scientific exploration. With every step guided by the needs of the country, he is committed to writing his own chapter of youth as a member of NPU in the new era.
Zhang Zhiming, an incoming international student from Malaysia, shared his experience of coming to NPU to study four years ago, his reasons for choosing to pursue further studies in artificial intelligence, and his aspirations for his future academic journey. He expressed his determination to become a master of the AI era by delving into the underlying principles of algorithms and cultivating the ability to think deeply; to broaden his horizons and strive for excellence through communication and mutual learning with students from around the world; and take ownership of his own journey.
NPU Badge Ceremony: Carrying the Spirit Forward across Generations
The ceremony also featured a badge-wearing ceremony for all incoming students, with Zhang Yunming presenting the badge to a student representative. The badge embodies NPU’s rich spiritual heritage and bears its mission of “nurturing talent for the Party and forging a powerful sword for the nation.” From this moment on, all students will wear the badge proudly over their hearts and keep their mission close to their hearts, shouldering the responsibilities of the times with the vigor and aspirations of youth.
The Opening Ceremony came to a close with all faculty members and students singing the NPU Anthem with passion and pride.
Before the ceremony began, the theme video for the Opening Ceremony, On Our Way, was screened. Members of the University Student Art Troupe joined representatives of the incoming students in presenting the song-and-dance performances Proud Youth and Brilliant You, filling the venue with the vibrant spirit of youth. As flags waved and youthful energy surged through the crowd, the atmosphere came alive with excitement.
Youth in Motion, Surging Ahead
From the moment we enter NPU, our identity as members of the NPU
becomes inseparably bound to the mission of “forging a powerful sword for the nation.”
Let us align our personal growth with the broader needs of national development and defense modernization.
On the journey toward building a stronger China and realizing national rejuvenation, let us write a new chapter of endeavor as a new generation of NPU students
(Text: Zhang Yali, Xue Yang, Zhang Wenjing; Photographers: Si Zhe, Lu Di; Reviewers: Yu Hui, Fu Yi; Translators: Li Yiwen, Mei Leyun)
