In the serene environs of the lotus pond at Tsinghua University stands Jingzhai, a quaint and tranquil structure hosting the Yau Mathematical Sciences Center (YMSC).

This internationally renowned institution, which brings together distinguished mathematicians from around the world, is named after Shing-Tung Yau, an eminent mathematician of Chinese descent. He is among the top scholars who came to China to teach and conduct academic research in recent years.

Born in south China's Guangdong Province in 1949, Yau was inspired to become a mathematician in his youth. At 15, he stumbled upon a magazine article titled "Forty Years of Studying Calculus" by Professor Shiing-Shen Chern from the University of California, Berkeley, which he found "significantly inspiring."

After completing his junior year at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Yau left for the Ph.D. program in mathematics at the University of California, Berkeley, where he studied under the supervision of Chern, obtaining his doctorate in just two years.

Notably, Yau tackled the Calabi conjecture, which had been posed by Eugenio Calabi in 1954, thereby pioneering the field of "geometric analysis."

At the age of 33, he was awarded the Fields Medal, often regarded as "the Nobel Prize of Mathematics," becoming the first Chinese recipient of this prestigious honor. In the following years, Yau garnered several other significant awards in the international mathematical arena.

In 1979, shortly after China embarked on the process of reform and opening up, Yau was invited to China on an academic exchange visit. "I couldn't help but bend down to touch the soil, as I wanted to forge a connection with the land where our forefathers once lived," wrote Yau in his memoir, reminiscing about the visit. Since then, he has often traveled between the United States and China.

"Reform and opening up is crucial for China," Yau told Xinhua in a recent interview. "From a state of extreme poverty, China has evolved into a world-leading nation."

China's remarkable achievements in science since the start of reform and opening up, especially in the last decade, have left Yau deeply impressed. But he has also observed that, "To develop into a scientific and technological powerhouse, China has to achieve significant and original breakthroughs within its borders."

In 2009, at the invitation of Tsinghua University, Yau, who was then working at Harvard University, came to Tsinghua to establish the Mathematical Sciences Center, assuming the role of director.

In 2020, Tsinghua initiated a leading talent-training program in mathematics named after Yau. The following year, Qiuzhen College was founded, with Yau serving as its dean. The college's motto, "pursuing the truth and beauty of mathematics," is also a portrayal of Yau's lifelong pursuit.

"Winning awards is not my objective in doing research. It doesn't make any difference whether I receive recognition or not," said Yau when asked about the influence of the Fields Medal on his life.

He noted that what holds importance for him is the intrinsic truth and beauty found in knowledge. According to Yau, he has great respect for those who are dedicated to pursuing knowledge and is happy to be their friend.

In April 2022, Yau joined Tsinghua University as a full-time faculty member. In addition to being director of YMSC and dean of Qiuzhen College, he also holds other positions, including president of the Beijing Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Applications.

Despite a hectic schedule, Yau still maintains the habit of swimming every morning, and his work usually ends at 11 p.m. or midnight. He values communicating with his students, and always takes time to participate in weekly seminars with them.

Over the years, Yau has contributed funds to establishing many mathematical research institutions across China. Recently, he donated his prize money from the Shaw Prize Award to Tsinghua University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

"Besides books, there are very few things I need to buy," Yau said. "I'm not very rich, but I find it meaningful to foster young talent with my resources."

As an institution dedicated to cultivating world-leading mathematical talent, Qiuzhen College has been actively promoting communication between Chinese and U.S. teenagers.

By the end of 2023, Qiuzhen had invited 18 undergraduate and graduate students majoring in mathematics and related fields from renowned U.S. universities. The initiative is aimed at enhancing U.S. students' understanding of China's history, culture, academic environment and technological advancements.

The son of a philosopher, Yau experienced the profound influence of fine traditional Chinese culture throughout his upbringing. He has a fondness for exploring ancient classics, such as "Shi Jing" (the Book of Songs), "Chu Ci" (Songs of Chu), and "Shi Ji" (the Records of the Grand Historian). He also enjoys reading Chinese modern fiction.

According to Yau, cultural cultivation not only nurtures one's character but also significantly benefits scientific research. For this reason, he has visited various historical cities, including Anyang, Xi'an and Qufu with students from Qiuzhen, taking them on a journey to explore the essence of Chinese history and appreciate the charm of Chinese civilization, thus developing their perspectives.

"A culture is meaningful only when it's inherited," said Yau. 

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