Zhengzhou University (ZZU) welcomed 21,566 new undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students from across China and beyond from Sept 5 to 6, including 77 from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, and 12 sets of twins. The university also welcomed the first cohort of students to its new Songyang Academy, an interdisciplinary talent development platform focused on AI and emerging fields.
Zhengzhou University welcomes its 2026 incoming class. [Photo/zzu.edu.cn]
University leaders visited multiple campus welcome points to greet students and families, distributing care packages and books to students facing financial hardship. They encouraged new students to pursue academic excellence and contribute to national development.
The university implemented a smart, streamlined registration process. Using the "Yujian ZZU" platform, students completed pre-arrival procedures online, while AI assistants and real-time data helped coordinate shuttle buses and on-site services.
University leaders welcome students from the 2026 cohort. [Photo/zzu.edu.cn]
Each school organized creative welcome activities integrating academic culture and professional orientation. Highlights included robotics demonstrations, red culture exhibitions, and interactive displays. The new Songyang Academy offers a flexible, integrated bachelor's-to-PhD pathway with lab rotations starting in the first year.
Among the new students are those with inspiring stories, including a hearing-impaired student who overcame numerous challenges to gain admission to the academy. With orientation complete, the Class of 2030 is now ready to begin their journey at ZZU.
New students and their parents pose for photos at campus landmarks. [Photo/zzu.edu.cn]