Peking University, April 21, 2025: A symposia on the benefit of reading books featuring PKU scholars of various disciplines was held on April 18 at the PKU Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, in commemoration of the UNESCO World Book Day which falls on April 23.
The symposia was held at the PKU Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
The symposia was also intended as a salon for reviewing two books compiled out of the “Inside the Scholar’s Study” interview series. Initiated in 2021, the series has documented the reading journey of 31 PKU scholars inside their studies.
In his opening address, PKU Vice President Ren Yuzhong commended the interview series as a window showcasing PKU’s studiousness, which plays a vital role in setting off a wider trend in reading as a life-long habit. He encouraged students and faculty alike to emulate the scholars and spread the joy of reading throughout campus.
PKU Vice President Ren Yuzhong
"Through this interview series, we gain a glimpse into the raw emotions and inner worlds of these scholars. Within their study rooms, we witness their deep love for reading and writing."
Xia Hongwei, Chairman of PKU Press, emphasized the importance of deep reading in an era of fast-paced life and explosive information. He expressed hope for books to ignite people’s passion for reading and help them find a spiritual retreat to refine sentiment and build perspectives.
Xia Hongwei, Chairman of PKU Press
"This interview series is not just a window into the scholar’s study. It also serves as a curated reading list, offering lifelong value to readers."
PKU alumnus Lyu Chen and PhD student Sui Xuechun, both participated in the interview series as photographer and interviewer respectively. They were present at the event, sharing personal insights and key takeaways from their experience in the process.
Lyu Chen and Sui Xuechun
The highlight of the event was none other than the discussion session between four feature scholars: Professor Dai Jinhua from the Department of Chinese Language and Literature, Professor Yang Lihua from the Department of Philosophy, Associate Professor Fan Ye from the School of Foreign Languages, and Associate Professor Jia Yan from the School of Arts.
Four feature scholars are invited to discuss the relevance of paperbacks and importance of reading in the age of electronic books and AI.
During the session, the four scholars discussed not only the importance of having a dedicated study and bookshelf at home in today’s fast-paced world, but also the impact brought by electronic books and artificial intelligence on reading and learning. While their disciplines and lifestyles may differ, the four scholars are united by their shared pursuit for knowledge and truth.
After the discussion, four other scholars were invited on stage to make book recommendations — Zhang Huiyu, Li Yan, Yu Tiejun, and Hou Yifan. Their books covered various fields including history, international relations, etc., offering interdisciplinary perspectives on learning.
The event concluded with the “Seed in the Study” initiative, where the four feature scholars gifted students biodegradable plantable postcard, symbolizing knowledge and growth.
Group photo
Witten by: Wong Jun Heng
Edited by: Chen Shizhuo
Photo by: Li Xianghua
