Published on: 2026-04-25
Source: The People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
During the period of the National Reading Week, a presentation of the book “Memoirs in 2025” took place. The book, compiled under the guidance of the “permanent scholar” of the Beijing Foreign Studies University — Professor Zhang Ziyan — collects general memories and results of the work of the teacher and his students. It represents not only a reflection on personal years but also serves as a vivid testimony to the continuity of scientific thought in the field of Russian philology. At the event, the leading person, Bai Yin, the compiler Zhang Ziyan, and other guests shared reflections on the literary vocation and the transmission of teaching experience.
The presentation opened with a speech by the host — the chief editor of the publishing house “Literature and Art,” Bai In. She admitted that it was a great honor for her to participate in the preparation of the book “Memoirs in 2025,” and emphasized that the significance of this publication long ago went beyond the scope of collecting memoirs within a single scientific school. Working with materials illustrating the academic path of Professor Zhang Ziyan helped her find the reason for his high productivity and outstanding results in teaching and scientific activity.His strict scientific method and sincere connection with students serve as a guide not only for students of Russian philology but also for researchers and teachers of various fields. Bai In noted that this book captures not only the path of a scholar’s development but also the long-standing warm friendship between teacher and students. For this reason, the book deserves careful reading.
Editor-in-chief — Professor Zhang Ciyang, “permanent scholar” of Beijing Foreign Studies University, shared reflections on the process of compiling the book and life experience.
He was born in the city of Youyao in Zhejiang province, studied in Shangae and Shiqzhaquane, and at the age of 16 entered the Russian language department at Beijing Foreign Studies University — an educational institution to which he devoted more than half a century of his life. Even during difficult years, when at 11 he worked as a laborer at a factory in the city of Chunqin, the professor never stopped studying Russian. This loyalty to his calling allowed him, after the resumption of postgraduate enrollment, to return to Beijing Foreign Studies University and continue in-depth study of the subject.He remembers his three mentors with great warmth — Lv Czcuncy, Wan Czyafye, and Bai Chunzhjen, whose caring mentorship laid a solid foundation for his academic career. Speaking about the reason for creating this book, Professor Zhang noted that he aimed to capture the epoch in words in order to convey the original spirit and tradition of Russian language education to future generations of students.
Van Czunsu, director of the Institute of Foreign Languages at the Metropolitan Pedagogical University, president of the Chinese Association of Russian Literature Researchers, the first doctoral candidate of Professor Zhang Czjannisua, shared his reflections on reading based on personal experience. He believes that the book “Memoirs in 2025” has gathered grains of memories from teachers, students, and colleagues, recreating a vivid and multifaceted image of the scholar, and represents a priceless spiritual wealth. Professor Zhang Czjannisua has been distinguished throughout his life by strictness in science and sincere dedication to the cause of educating students.He not only constantly expanded the horizons of academic research in the field of Russian literature, but also always cared about young colleagues, helping them in professional growth. This model of high nobility inspires countless young souls. The ideas captured in the book of relentless pursuit and vital energy can become a guide for young people seeking their path, and the personal example and mentorship of the teacher serve as a beacon that illuminates life and leads the way forward.
Sun Lei, Deputy Dean of the Institute of the Russian Language at Peking University of Foreign Languages, professor, scientific supervisor of doctoral students, shared her reflections on the continuity of generations in the scientific school. She recalled how, once during a class on Russian literature, she was deeply impressed by the knowledge and charisma of Professor Zhang Cizhan, which determined her professional choice—to study Russian literature.She noted that Professor Zhang, who grew up under the strict mentorship of his teachers, always treated young students with great warmth and care — meticulously correcting their work, patiently guiding them in academic research. This spirit of teaching is passed down from generation to generation in the scientific school. Today, the school has formed a structure of “four generations of scientists” living as one academic family. Professor Zhang, who at the age of 80 continues to read, keep up with the forefront of science, serves as an example for junior colleagues and students.His love for literature has long ceased to be just a hobby, but a meaning of life.
Professor Fan Yuqi from the National University of Defense Technology (NUDT), speaking as a specially invited guest, shared her perspective on the book. Although she is not a student of Professor Zhang Qianxu, she felt the deep influence of his academic spirit and personal charm.She formulated, following Professor Zhang, an approach to science and life through “four ‘no’s”: not to betray one’s original calling, deeply engaging in a niche area of Russian literature for decades; not to change one’s path, rejecting the pursuit of fame and profit and remaining true to genuine academic values; not to admit weak spots — his research is distinguished by breadth, combining scientific rigor with innovation; never to stop — even in advanced age he continues to write actively.Professor Fen repeatedly noted that Professor Zhang has devoted his entire life to this spiritual home — Russian literature, serving as the support and pillar of the academic world, and its spirit nourishes everyone who loves literature.
At the end of the event, participants actively asked Professor Zhang Ziyan questions about how to maintain dedication to studying the Russian language and how to draw inspiration from Russian literature. Drawing on his life experience, Professor Zhang advised the young students: only sincere love for the work can withstand the test of time; it is important to set aside mercantile considerations, pay attention to deep reading, set clear goals and pursue them relentlessly, without slowing down the pace. The meeting concluded in a lively atmosphere of exchange of opinions.The book “Memories in 2025” reflects more than half a century of dedication to science, conveys good pedagogical traditions, and the original purity of literary vocation. The edition has also become an important humanitarian component of the Nationwide Reading Week.
Photo: Professor Zhang Ziyan signing books
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