University Moto

The motto of Lanzhou University was identified in July 2007.

On the one hand, the Chinese version of “Constantly Improving” is derived from “As heaven maintains vigor through movement, a gentleman should constantly strive for self-perfection” in the Book of Change, which is not only one of the important elements of the Chinese ethos, but also the reason why Lanzhou University has successfully been established as a unique top university in less developed western China after getting through lots of hardships.

On the other hand, the Chinese version of “Blazing Our Own Path” is derived from Yuanmei’s “Essays of Suiyuan on Poetry” in Qing dynasty, yet it demonstrates the spirit of the time centered by reform and innovation in nowadays. In 1957, Chairman Mao Zedong praised Xin Shuzhi, the former president of Lanzhou University, as “Mr. Xin works hard for a lifetime and blazes your own path in the sphere of learning” at the supreme state affairs meeting. It is because of the spirit of “Blazing Our Own Path” that Lanzhou University has changed its regional disadvantage into a disciplinary superiority: Grassland

Agriculture, Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Studies, Semi-arid Climate and Environmental Studies, Northwest Minority Studies, and Dunhuang Studies have made great contributions to the nation, especially to the economic and social development of western China.

Time flies. The motto of Lanzhou University, which highly integrates both national spirit and the spirit of the time, has been recognized as the unique feature of Lanzhou University’s spirit, pursuit of value and style of behavior, thus become the irreplaceable intangible powerin the development of Lanzhou University.