Celebrations for the 120th anniversary of Peking University started April 30 on campus and will last until May 5, one day after the university's birthday.

Founded as the Imperial University of Peking in 1898, Peking University is one of the oldest modern institutions established for higher education in China. As a center of progressive ideas, it played a vital role in the May Fourth Movement, a patriotic protest against imperialism.

Since that time, May 4 has become the anniversary day for PKU. Every year, alumni from around the world return to their alma mater to join celebration events. Banners and slogans are installed in front of campus landmarks for people to take pictures.