On April 9, Guizhou University (GZU) officially launched its 2025 Reading Month with an opening ceremony held at the West Campus Library, under the theme “Reading for Wisdom, Learning for Growth, Cultivating for Fulfillment.”

Distinguished attendees included Gu Jiu, former Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Guizhou Provincial People’s Congress; Chen Ling, Secretary-General of the Library and Information Work Steering Committee of the Ministry of Education; Yang Wei, Secretary of CPC GZU Committee; Wu Pan, GZU Vice President; as well as representatives from the Jiangsu Hong De Cultural Publication Foundation, the Guizhou Library Association, and other institutions. The ceremony was hosted by GZU Vice President Wu Pan.

In her remarks, Yang Wei extended a warm welcome to the guests and emphasized the transformative power of reading during university years. She encouraged students to make the most of this vital stage in life by cultivating critical thinking and laying the groundwork for lifelong personal and intellectual development. “In the age of artificial intelligence,” she said, “the enduring value of reading is more essential than ever.” Yang also highlighted the university’s continued efforts to promote reading through a range of innovative programs and activities.

Chen Ling praised GZU library for its long-standing commitment to fostering a reading culture, noting that this year’s Reading Month features a diverse array of content and formats. He expressed hope that students would draw inspiration from the classics and grow into thoughtful, future-ready individuals.

Gu Jiu emphasized that while digital technology has reshaped how information is consumed, reading remains a fundamental and irreplaceable form of learning. He urged students to develop a lifelong passion for books and let reading enrich every stage of their lives.

A highlight of the ceremony was the official unveiling of the 100 Classics of Outstanding Traditional Chinese Culture series, jointly presented by Gu Jiu, Yang Wei, Zhang Jie—Director of the editorial office for the 100 Classics project—and Fu Jianming, Chairman of the Jiangsu Hongde Cultural Publication Foundation and former Editor-in-Chief of Jiangsu People’s Publishing House.

The event also featured recitations of classical Chinese literature and an awards presentation honoring outstanding student readers. GZU library released the official schedule for Reading Month, featuring a variety of events such as the 100 Classics on Campus program; reading experience talks by renowned scholars; a lecture series on traditional Chinese studies (Guoxue); guest lectures by speakers from the popular CCTV program “Lecture Room”; and the Boxue Forum academic lecture series, aimed at fostering scholarly exchange and intellectual growth.

Editors: Pang Aizhong, Zhang Chan

Chief Editor: Li Xufeng

Senior editor: Ding Long

Translator: Xiao Qi