On the morning of June 15, as the flame trees came into full bloom, Hainan University held its 2026 Undergraduate Commencement and Bachelor’s Degree Conferral Ceremony at the HNU Arena. Having completed four years of studies, the graduates bid farewell to campus life and set off from the tropical land of Hainan Free Trade Port to embark on new life journeys. This year marks the launch of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan and the first full year of the island-wide independent customs operations on Hainan Island. These young scholars, who have grown alongside the Free Trade Port, shoulder the expectations of the times and stand ready to forge ahead.
The ceremony was attended by Li Hu, Chair of the University Council; Luo Qingming, Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and HNU President; as well as other university leaders. It was presided over by Zhang Jiyou, Vice Chair of the University Council.
The 2026 Undergraduate Commencement and Bachelor’s Degree Conferral Ceremony is held at the HNU Arena.
The ceremony opened with the rousing national anthem, as all attendees rose and sang in solemn unison. The melody echoed through the venue, evoking memories of four years of campus life. Many graduates were moved, their voices filled with patriotism.
President Luo Qingming addresses the ceremony.
“It's that time of year again — the flame trees are in full bloom. And this year, they bloom earlier and more vibrantly than ever, just for you.” With these warm opening words, President Luo Qingming instantly lifted the farewell atmosphere that hung over the commencement venue.
Looking back on the university’s remarkable progress alongside faculty and students, President Luo noted that over the past four years, the university has steadily elevated its educational standing, with multiple disciplines ranking among the world’s best and continuous breakthroughs in scientific research. The Mission Hills Campus and Yazhou Campus have opened their doors, while construction on the Danzhou Campus is progressing at full speed. The Hainan University Science and Innovation Circle, the University Science and Technology Park, university-local research institutes, and the affiliated hospital have all flourished. Faculty and students stood side by side to combat Super Typhoon Yagi, weathering storms and overcoming hardships as one.
“The driving force behind the university’s growth comes from each of you!” “Excellence takes countless forms!” President Luo expressed his heartfelt appreciation for all graduates. “University education does not mold everyone into identical shapes; rather, it helps every lock find its own key. You need not become the standard answer others expect—you are the answer.”
To the graduates about to embark on their journeys, President Luo offered three pieces of advice: stay true to our country, stay engaged with the world, and stay resilient in the face of challenges. He encouraged them to broaden their horizons, look far ahead, engage with the era, contribute to its development, and lead the way forward.
“When you come back, I promise you will see a better, more beautiful, and stronger Hainan University!” Closing with the poetic line “We each follow our own road, but the same wind carries us, no matter how far apart,” he extended his blessings, assuring the graduates that HNU will keep advancing and will always welcome them home. The audience applauded loudly, and many took his words to heart.
Jing Zhengyang, a pharmacy graduate from Chunming College, who will pursue his master’s degree at Hainan University, shared his thoughts: “I was truly inspired by President Luo’s speech. As a witness to Hainan University’s rapid development, I feel honored to watch my alma mater thrive. Over four years, the university prioritizes personalized education and progress-centered evaluation. My undergrad years showed me my strengths, my direction, and my confidence. I believe that perseverance and challenge are what make us grow.”
Representatives of graduates, international students, faculty, parents and alumni took the stage one after another to deliver speeches, sharing stories that resonated deeply with the audience.
Graduate representative Wang Kailun delivers a speech.
Wang Kailun, the representative of graduates, recounted his growth over four years and expressed gratitude for the university and faculty. “Hainan University pointed me in the right direction,” his words resonated with everyone in the room.
International student rep Tesya Cahya speaks at the ceremony.
Tesya Cahya, an international student from Indonesia, delivered her speech in fluent Chinese and recalled her unforgettable campus life. “Hainan has become my second home during my time at Hainan University,” she said. “Moving forward, I will remain committed to my mission, act as a messenger of Chinese culture, a bridge between China and the world, and a storyteller of Hainan Free Trade Port, helping more people around the world get to know, understand, and fall in love with China.”
Faculty representative Yang Ranbing addresses the ceremony.
Yang Ranbing, professor from the School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, spoke on behalf of all faculty. “Turning the tassel today marks not an end, but the prelude to your journey,” he told the graduates, encouraging them to stay true to their values, pursue their passions with dedication, remain grateful, and keep moving forward.
Parent representative Yue Yan delivers a speech.
Yue Yan, the parent representative, shared insights drawn from her daughter’s growth journey, remarking that true education helps young people take root and learn to stand on their own.
Alumni representative Fu Xianghui delivers a speech.
Fu Xianghui, a distinguished alumnus, drew from his own academic and career experiences to encourage the new graduates: take deep root and keep striving; embrace change and blaze new trails; keep the nation close to heart and march toward a boundless future.
Li Hu and Luo Qingming jointly awarded honorary certificates to representatives of the Outstanding Undergraduate Graduates. The students received their red certificates with smiles and bowed to express their gratitude.
Li Hu and Luo Qingming jpresent awards to representatives of Outstanding Undergraduate Graduates (photo by Publicity Department)
In the audience, many parents raised their phones and cameras to capture their children in academic regalia.
University leaders approached each graduate representative to turn their tassels and confer their bachelor’s degrees. Graduates grew emotional as they received their diplomas, waving to thank faculty and family.
The ceremony concluded amid sustained applause and warm well-wishes. Stepping out of the gymnasium, graduates were greeted by blazing flame trees lining the boulevards and throngs of students crowding the coconut palm avenues. Classmates gathered to take group photos and exchange heartfelt farewells; young graduates tossed their graduation caps in the air to freeze the moment. Parents who had traveled long distances posed for family portraits with their children.
Highlights from the graduation ceremony
Highlights from the graduation ceremony
Highlights from the graduation ceremony
Pei Xincheng, a computer science and technology undergraduate from Pucheng College, reflected: “The ceremony may have been modest, but it was no less meaningful. I leave Hainan University with deep gratitude and fond memories. I hope to see the university continue to flourish, and I’ll take its spirit with me on the road ahead.”
As a graduation video was played, Yin Xinxin, a business administration student from Tiangong College, shed tears: “This video is beautifully made, every moment bringing back memories of my four university years. I feel incredibly lucky to have met such wonderful teachers and classmates. I am so grateful to Hainan University—it is truly an extraordinary place.”
Flame trees bloom year after year, and this time, it’s our turn to move on. Four years at Hainan University have given graduates memories and lessons that won’t fade anytime soon. May all graduates carry forward the knowledge, care, and friendships they have gained here, and go on to make their mark in the world—contributing to their communities and to the development of Hainan Free Trade Port.
The ceremony was attended by university administrators, as well as representatives of alumni, faculty, undergraduates and parents.
Translated by Shu Wenzhuo
Proofread by Feng Jun
