43 Tons of Fruit and Counting: Tianjin University Keeps a 25-Year Tradition Alive

On May 23, Tianjin University held its 2026 Spring Semester Fruit Festival, filling the campus with the fragrance of fresh fruit and a warm sense of community. The university distributed more than 43,000 kilograms of premium fresh fruit free of charge to over 46,000 students across campus.

As one of Tianjin University's signature student-centered initiatives, the Fruit Program has been carried out continuously for 25 years. Combining campus care with cultural enrichment, the program reflects the university's long-standing commitment to student well-being and holistic education.

This year's Fruit Festival featured a diverse selection of high-quality fruits sourced from different regions across China. Carefully selected for both flavor and nutritional value, the fruits offered students a taste of regional specialties without leaving campus.

According to statistics, the university distributed 10,810 kilograms of apples, 9,400 kilograms of oranges, 16,450 kilograms of sweet melons, and 7,050 kilograms of nectarines. Student volunteers and university staff worked closely together throughout the process, handling fruit unloading, sorting, packaging, and delivery to ensure smooth and efficient distribution across all schools and colleges.

Following the distribution, various student activities were organized across campus, including creative fruit-peel art projects and dessert-making events. The lively atmosphere highlighted the energy and creativity of the university community while adding a festive touch to campus life.

Since its launch in 2002, the Fruit Program has consistently emphasized student participation and self-governance. Fruit selections are determined through campus-wide student voting following research conducted by the student-led Fruit Program Committee. Student volunteers also take primary responsibility for organizing and coordinating the distribution process, continuing a tradition of student initiative and engagement.

By integrating campus welfare with experiential learning, the program embodies Tianjin University's educational philosophy of “self-education, self-management, and self-service.” Through hands-on participation and community service, students are encouraged to strengthen their practical skills, sense of responsibility, and overall personal development.

Over the past 25 years, while the varieties of fruit and event formats have continued to evolve, the university's dedication to supporting and caring for students has remained unchanged. Today, the Fruit Program has become one of Tianjin University's most distinctive and beloved campus traditions.

By: Yu Boyang