The prestigious Peking University marked its 105th anniversary on Sunday, a date which coincided with the 84th anniversary of the May 4th Movement.

The May 4th Movement was an anti-imperialist, anti-feudal revolutionary movement led by students in 1919. The movement signified the start of modern-era revolutionary activities in China.

A flag-raising ceremony, attended by 105 students, was held early on Sunday morning.

Xu Zhihong, the president of the university, called on the university's students during his speech to contribute to the on-going fight against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) epidemic and to strive harder still to make the university one of the best institutions of higher learning in the world.

A team of young volunteers and student leaders undertook a special eight-hour action working alongside university guards stationed at the three campus gates.

A long-distance run drew more than 500 participants, and many students wore placards bearing words of support for medical personnel battling the SARS disease.

In front of the Shaoyuan compound, which houses students from overseas, dozens of foreign students staged a show of recitals and musical instruments playing to entertain onlookers.

Moreover, a number of vivid displays were also staged to show the university's achievements in education, and the association of graduate students held a kite contest.

(Xinhua News Agency May 5, 2003)