Exploring Hunan First Normal University: The Spirit of Youth

CHANGSHA, China, Oct. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A report from Hunan Today:

Surrounded by greenery, Hunan First Normal University—with red walls and gray tiles—boasts a long history. French visitor Wang Lilian, curious about her Chinese friends' mentions of "fellow students" and "youth" here, stepped onto campus to uncover its stories.

Guided through the hall, she learned the university nurtured talents like Mao Zedong and Cai Hesen, who studied under teachers such as Yang Huaizhong. They gained knowledge, felt national responsibility, and began their revolutionary journey here.

At the Eighth Classroom, she discovered young Mao attended classes there after 1913 (when his former school merged into First Normal). This room was where he explored national salvation, engaging in passionate discussions with peers.

In 1919, the May 4th Movement spurred many students to study in France—including Cai Hesen, who mastered French quickly and translated Marxist classics. Wang wondered why Mao didn't go: he believed understanding China's reality was key for reform, so he stayed to study domestic issues.

They also visited an ancient well. Young Mao took cold baths here daily, even in winter, to "strengthen his physique"—aligning with "a strong youth makes a strong nation."

By tour's end, Wang saw "fellow students" and "youth" as symbols of shared dreams. The journey ended at "Just Fellow Students in Youth" Square, echoing the university's enduring spirit.