From 15:00 to 16:30 on September 8, Tsinghua University School of Law held a welcome ceremony for its 2025 LL.M. cohort in Classroom 110 of the Law Library. The event gave new students from around the world an opportunity to connect and helped them settle into the Law School community as they embarked on their legal studies at Tsinghua. Distinguished guests included Professor Cui Guobin, Dean of the Law School; Professor Chen Hangping, Vice‑Dean of the Law School; LL.M. Programme Directors Professors Chen Xinyu, Chen Weizuo and Teresa Cheng; Guo Chen, a lecturer at China University of Political Science and Law; and Liu Mengci from the Law School’s Academic Affairs Office. LL.M. Programme alumni, teaching assistants and the incoming students also attended.
Professor Chen Hangping, Vice‑Dean of the Law School, presided over the opening ceremony. On behalf of the Law School, he extended a warm welcome to all new students and briefly outlined the agenda and purpose of the event. His cordial remarks helped put the new students at ease and created a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
Professor Cui Guobin delivered the opening address. He noted that much work remains to be done in developing China’s legal system. As one of China’s leading public law schools, Tsinghua University School of Law has consistently stood at the forefront of legal research. He encouraged new students to devote themselves fully to their studies over the coming year and make the most of the School’s resources. Alongside building a strong foundation in legal knowledge, he encouraged students to gain practical experience and develop their skills through a range of activities. He also underscored the importance of teamwork and communication, expressing the hope that new students would learn from interactions with faculty and peers and go on to thrive in the legal profession.
Professor Chen Xinyu then took the floor to deliver his remarks. He observed that 2025 carries special significance: it marks the 20th anniversary of the LL.M. Programme as well as the 30th anniversary of the founding of Tsinghua University School of Law. He told the new students that they would be part of this special chapter in Tsinghua’s long history. During their studies, students would engage in intensive specialised coursework while learning about Chinese language and culture. As a scholar of legal history, Professor Chen looked forward to further exchanges with new students through academic discussions, sports and other activities. In closing, he wished the students a rewarding and memorable year at Tsinghua.
Professor Chen Weizuo, Director of the Master of Law (International Arbitration and Dispute Settlement) Programme, shared his long‑standing connection with the LL.M. Programme. Having joined Tsinghua University in 2004, he began teaching on the LL.M. Programme in 2005, making him one of its longest‑serving faculty members. He noted with pride that since its inception, the programme has brought together students from numerous countries worldwide. This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. He likened the LL.M. in Chinese Law Programme to a “mini‑United Nations”, with incoming students representing diverse legal systems and cultural backgrounds. Professor Chen mainly teaches courses on Chinese civil procedure. He described teaching as a mutually rewarding process, noting that he regularly gains fresh insights from his students. He encouraged new students to broaden their horizons through extracurricular activities, make the most of campus life, participate in sports and develop healthy habits as they prepare for their future careers.
Professor Teresa Cheng, who has extensive experience in legal practice, said she had followed the LL.M. Programme since 2018. She stepped away from teaching duties in 2022 to take up public office in the Special Administrative Region, and was delighted to return to the programme and reunite with colleagues and new students. She encouraged new students to make the most of their opportunity to study at Tsinghua, explore opportunities in the legal field, develop their knowledge and skills through academic study and practical experience, and contribute to the legal profession in the years ahead.
Following the faculty addresses, the new students introduced themselves in turn. Coming from countries and regions including Canada and Indonesia, they brought diverse educational backgrounds and life experiences. Some expressed great curiosity about China’s legal system and hoped to develop a deeper understanding through their studies. Others focused on intellectual property, aiming to strengthen their expertise at Tsinghua in preparation for their future careers. Several new students said that, although they had initially found China unfamiliar, they were looking forward to their studies with encouragement from family and friends. Their enthusiastic introductions highlighted the diversity and energy of the new cohort.
After the introductions, Professor Chen Hangping delivered brief closing remarks. He once again welcomed new students to the Tsinghua Law School community and thanked faculty speakers for their contributions as well as new students for their active participation. Faculty and students then posed for a group photo.
After the group photo, the event continued with informal discussions. Faculty members remained to answer new students’ questions about course selection, campus life and opportunities for practical experience. Students also shared their experiences and expectations, getting to know one another in a relaxed setting.
At approximately 4:30 p.m., the welcome reception for the 2025 LL.M. in Chinese Law cohort drew to a close. The ceremony helped new students gain a clearer understanding of the School and the Programme and connect with faculty and peers as they prepared to begin their studies at Tsinghua.
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