Famed Taiwanese writer and cultural figure Li Ao gave a speech to a crowd of more than 500 students, faculty and guests on Sept. 23.

.

Professor Chen Xi, chairman of the University Council, met with Li before the speech, which was part of Li Ao’s ongoing “Chinese culture trip” to the mainland.

Professor Chen welcomed Li Ao to Tsinghua and gave an outline of Tsinghua’s history and current development. On behalf of the university, Professor Chen presented the book “Ancient and Rare Books Bibliography” of the Tsinghua University Library to Li Ao.

After the talk, Li Ao wrote an inscription for Tsinghua University. 

In a speech interrupted by frequent applause, Li Ao encouraged the students to contribute to China’s development. After the speech, Li answered several questions from the students.

Tsinghua student representatives presented Li Ao a T-shirt printed with the university motto and badge, as well as a model of a bridge which was the winner of the 6th Tsinghua Structural Design Competition. Li Ao presented copies of some of his books to Tsinghua.

Li Ao also visited Gongziting, the former imperial courtyard that now houses the university administration and staff offices, and the university library.

Li was born in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, in 1935.

Reported by Li Han