Nanfang College, Guangzhou (NCG) inaugurated its first Zhou Enlai Class on 16 October, establishing a new platform for students to learn from the life, ideals and enduring legacy of former Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai. Held at the Gezhi Building Auditorium during the College's 20th anniversary year, the ceremony brought together members of Zhou's family, researchers, government and education officials, university leaders and students.

Designed to strengthen ideological and political education while fostering students' character and sense of social responsibility, the class will combine thematic learning with educational visits and practical activities. More than 240 people attended the inauguration, including all members of the inaugural cohort.

Distinguished guests included Liao Xinwen, Founding President of the Zhou Enlai Thought and Life Research Branch of the Chinese Society for the Study of CPC Literature; Zhou Binghe, nephew of Premier Zhou Enlai and Chairman of the China Educated Youth Network; and Zhang Xiaoyan, former Deputy Secretary-General of the Tianjin Municipal People's Government.

The research branch was also represented by Li Qingping, Secretary-General and former Second-Level Inspector at the Institute of Party History and Literature of the CPC Central Committee; Yin Hua, Executive Council Member; and Gao Jie, Council Member and Second-Level Inspector at the Economic Policy Research Office of the Tianjin Municipal People's Government.

Other guests included Tang Fenghong, Deputy Party Secretary and Deputy Director of the Memorial to Zhou Enlai and Deng Yingchao; Zhou Rong, great-nephew of Premier Zhou Enlai and Senior Engineer with Air China's Flight Operations Division; Zhang Huiling, producer of the film Young Deng Yingchao; and He Jinfeng, administrator of the Zhou Enlai Class website.

Local representatives included Lu Huijuan, Deputy Director of the Publicity Department of the CPC Conghua District Committee; He Xuelian, Deputy Director of the Conghua District Education Bureau; and Ye Hanjie, Deputy Director of the Education Bureau of Fengshun County, Meizhou.

NCG President Tao Tang, member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, attended alongside Party Secretary Ruan Yingdong, Board Member Zhu Ziyang and Executive Vice President Professor Ailan Fu. Representatives from Liuxi Primary School and the Wenquan Town Police Station also attended, together with heads of academic and administrative units, Party organisation representatives, faculty and students. Cao Yanxiao, Deputy Director of NCG's Organisation and United Front Work Department, chaired the ceremony.

In his opening address, President Tang welcomed the guests and reflected on the significance of establishing the Zhou Enlai Class during NCG's 20th anniversary year. He described the initiative as an important step in fulfilling the College's fundamental mission of fostering virtue through education, developing new approaches to ideological and political education and deepening its commitment to liberal arts education.

He encouraged students to draw inspiration from Zhou's character and convictions, strengthen their sense of responsibility and connect their personal aspirations with the development of the country.

The class's formal establishment was confirmed when Tang Fenghong of the Memorial to Zhou Enlai and Deng Yingchao read out the official approval.

In his inaugural address, Party Secretary Ruan emphasised the importance of learning from Zhou Enlai's life and values. He outlined three expectations for the students: to strengthen their convictions and cultivate a sense of national responsibility; to pursue knowledge with diligence, integrity and perseverance; and to embrace the responsibilities of their generation through purposeful action.

Zhou Binghe offered a personal perspective on his uncle's legacy, recalling Zhou Enlai's character, devotion to the country and family values. He also drew parallels between Zhou's principles and NCG's motto, “Virtue, Truth, Reflection and Perseverance”, encouraging students to set ambitious goals, cultivate strong moral character and make the most of their youth.

Representing the inaugural class, Liu Chengcheng, a student who entered the Health Services and Management programme at the School of Chinese Medicine and Health in 2025, pledged to uphold Zhou Enlai's aspiration to “study for the rise of China”. Speaking on behalf of his fellow students, Liu expressed their determination to live up to the College's guidance and the responsibilities of their generation by developing the ideals, resilience and commitment needed to contribute to society.

The ceremony also included presentations of educational resources to support the new class. Li Qingping donated a collection of books, received on behalf of NCG by Song Defu, Director of the Organisation and United Front Work Department.

In a separate presentation, He Jinfeng presented a certificate marking the launch of NCG's dedicated section on the Zhou Enlai Class website, together with a recording of the Zhou Enlai Class Song. Hu Jun, Deputy Director of the College's Publicity Department, accepted the items.

Following the ceremony, guests visited For the Rise of China: Zhou Enlai's Youth, an exhibition tracing Zhou's formative years and his determination to pursue knowledge and contribute to China's future. A visit to NCG's University History and Party Building Exhibition Hall offered further insight into the College's development, its Party-building work and the traditions that have shaped its institutional identity.

The visits were followed by a discussion involving guests and members of the inaugural class. Exchanges focused on “Carrying Forward Revolutionary Traditions and Supporting High-Quality Local Development” and “Strengthening Education Through Party Building and Exhibition Resources”. Participants shared perspectives on how revolutionary heritage and historical resources could enrich students' education and how Party-building initiatives could support local development.

Looking ahead, the Zhou Enlai Class will serve as a student group dedicated to learning from revolutionary history and putting its lessons into practice. NCG plans to establish a regular programme of thematic study, visits to sites of revolutionary heritage and community service, combining ideological education with opportunities for practical engagement.

Through these activities, NCG aims to encourage students to carry forward Zhou Enlai's commitment to learning, personal integrity and service, while developing the sense of purpose and responsibility needed to contribute to their communities and wider society.