On December 9, 2025, the International Student Office of the School of Computer Science at Peking University organized a visit for its current international students to the PKU Red Building. The event attracted five master's students from countries including the United States, Canada, Russia, Turkey, and Bahrain, highlighting the school’s strong international atmosphere.
As one of Peking University's iconic historical buildings, the Red Building carries deep cultural significance and a rich historical legacy. During the visit, the students followed a guide along a route that had previously been taken by President Xi Jinping, exploring several of the university's classic landmarks and experiencing the intersection of history and the present.
Throughout the tour, the students gained a deeper understanding of Peking University's unique role in modern Chinese history. From the office of Li Dazhao, who served as the university's librarian, to the original book borrowing records he signed, these precious historical artifacts provided a tangible connection to the university's importance as a cradle for intellectual enlightenment and social progress in China. This allowed the students to better appreciate Peking University's significant impact on the development of Chinese society.
In addition, the historical and cultural exhibition area in the Red Building made a strong impression on the students. The exhibition included a wealth of documents, letters, and photographs related to the university's history, not only recording Peking University's remarkable journey but also illustrating China's transformation from a feudal society to a modern nation. Through these exhibits, the students gained a comprehensive understanding of how the university has cultivated generations of thinkers, scholars, and social activists who have shaped China's path forward.
Lucas Chen, a third-year master's student from Canada, shared his thoughts: "As a Chinese-Canadian who grew up in the West, I knew very little about modern Chinese history. While I learned about the World War I armistice in Canada, I had never understood China's perspective, especially the public outcry over the refusal to return Qingdao and how it led to the May Fourth Movement. Seeing the editorial rooms of New Youth magazine in the Red Building and learning how it evolved from a single editor, Chen Duxiu, to a group of eight rotating editors, revealed how it became a collaborative platform for vernacular writing and political reform. This experience made me realize that despite the global perspective my Western education provides, truly understanding China’s challenges requires being here in person. Walking through the preserved classrooms and seeing the original furniture brought me closer to these historical figures and helped me better understand Peking University’s crucial role in history."
Aleksei Lobanov, a second-year master's student from Russia, said, "I thoroughly enjoyed the visit. The guide provided a detailed explanation of the historical background and reasons behind the rise of socialism in China, and for me, it was also a great opportunity to practice my Chinese."
Aurelio Miranda, a second-year master's student from the United States, also reflected deeply on the experience: "Visiting the historic Red Building was a profoundly meaningful experience. It allowed me to truly connect with the importance of Peking University as a cradle for modern Chinese thought and progress. Walking through the spaces where pioneering figures in Chinese modern history once studied and debated was deeply inspiring. This experience deepened my understanding of the enduring role Peking University has played in shaping the nation's development, and it reinforced my sense of privilege in being part of this esteemed academic community."
The visit to the Red Building not only provided the computer science international students with a deeper understanding of Peking University's rich cultural heritage but also enhanced their comprehension of China’s historical and social development. Through this immersive experience, the students gained a more direct understanding of China's revolutionary history and the development of socialism, and they left with a greater appreciation for their academic journey at this prestigious institution, laying a solid foundation for future academic achievements and cross-cultural exchange.
