Another graduation season, another heartfelt farewell.

In recent days, a giant electronic screen at the corner of Zhongshan West Road and Zhenming Road in Ningbo has captured hearts and gone viral. Rolling across the screen are more than a dozen creative, heartfelt messages for this year’s graduates. Photos and videos of the display have been widely shared across social media. One message in particular sparked a wave of discussion:

“Whether you're staying or leaving—Ningbo thanks you for being here.”

It’s a line that has resonated with students far and wide, including international graduates from Ningbo’s many universities.

As graduates from home and abroad say goodbye, universities and colleges across Ningbo send warm wishes and heartfelt farewells:

——————————————

May your hard work live up to your youth, and may time reward your journey. Thank you, dear students, for choosing Ningbo University. To all graduates—may your next chapter be filled with brilliance and promise. Whether you choose to return home or continue your journey in China, keep chasing your dreams and moving forward with courage! 祝福毕业的你们，启航风华！

——Yang Guizhen, Deputy Dean

International College of Ningbo University (NBU)

——————————————

Dear students, may you set sail like the mighty ships of Ningbo Port, carrying with you our university’s spirit of “Knowledge in Action.” The library lights that witnessed your growth, the river breeze along the Three Rivers that cooled your steps - these will forever be part of your journey. No matter where life takes you, remember: light of Ningbo University of Technology will always shine for you by the Yong River, as enduring as the wisdom preserved in Tianyi Pavilion - a warm beacon calling you home.

——Wang Chenjie, Deputy Dean

International Exchange College, Ningbo University of Technology

——————————————

You came from far away, driven by a love for Chinese culture and a passion for your studies. You’ve overcome language barriers, shared meaningful conversations, moved beyond homesickness, and embraced diversity with courage and resilience. Though we say goodbye today, this is only the beginning. Step forward with confidence, and may your journey ahead be truly remarkable! 毕业快乐！前程似锦！

——Zhang Rong, Deputy Dean

International College, Zhejiang Wanli University

——————————————

Students also share words and photos of gratitude and love, celebrating bonds that transcend time and distance:

————————————————

Ningbo City and NBU will forever hold a special place in my heart. The city embraced me like a family, and the university nurtured my dreams with patience and care. Every street, every classroom, and every smile from my professors and friends will stay with me forever. Thank you for lighting my path. May Ningbo grow even more beautiful, strong, and inspiring for all future students who come here to chase their hopes. Merci d'avoir éclairé mon chemin.

——Noufeu Tchouli Alice Barbara (Cameroon), PhD Graduate

College of Food Science and Engineering, NBU

————————————————

Coming to China, especially Ningbo, was one of the best decisions I have ever made—if not the best. I fell in love with the city and its people. I never imagined I would live in a place that would feel like home, surrounded by people who felt like family with their warm curiosity and vivid smiles. What can I say other than: May Ningbo continue to thrive, grow in harmony, and touch the hearts of everyone who walks its streets. As for my beloved university, I consider myself incredibly lucky to be part of this prestigious institution that provides everything its students need to achieve their best. I am grateful to be here, learning from highly qualified professors, supported by both academic and administrative staff, and guided by the university’s respected leadership. Merci à Ningbo, et merci à l’Université de Ningbo de m’avoir permis de grandir, d’apprendre et de devenir la personne que je suis aujourd’hui. Thank you, Ningbo. Thank you, Ningbo University, for shaping the person I am today!

——Afif Ayaterrhmane (Morocco), Undergraduate

School of Mathematics and Statistics, NBU

————————————————

Time flies, and now my graduation is approaching. Reflecting upon the vibrant four years spent at UNNC, my heart fills with gratitude and nostalgia. My heartfelt thanks go to the beautiful city of Ningbo, a place where deep historical heritage meets vibrant innovation and development. I've experienced the fusion of Chinese and Western cultures at the Old Bund, felt the enduring scholarly charm of Tianyi Pavilion, and quietly admired serene sunsets by Dongqian Lake. I sincerely wish UNNC everlasting brilliance, shining like the stars and enduring like a flowing river. May Ningbo, this remarkable city, continue to flourish gracefully! 愿宁波这座城市，春去秋来依旧风华，欣欣向荣！

——Ye Zhouhao (China), Graduate

University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC)

————————————————

I am full of gratitude for graduating from Ningbo University of Technology. My alma mater nurtured my growth, and the scholarly spirit of Ningbo enriched my years of study. May the university achieve even greater success in cultivating outstanding talents, and may Ningbo—truly a wonderful city—continue to thrive. Every moment spent here will remain among the most cherished memories of my life.

——Pokhrel Ram Prasad (Nepal), Postgraduate

School of Economics and Management, Ningbo University of Technology

————————————————

Graduating from university is definitely bittersweet. I’m thankful for my teachers in Zhejiang Wanli University for their endless support and for sharing their wisdom and kindness with me. Additionally, I appreciate the faculty and all the staff at the university, who have not only provided a comfortable learning and living environment but also a strong support system for international students, making Ningbo feel like a second home to me. Beyond academics, university life has been an unforgettable and life-changing experience. It has shaped me in ways my younger self could never have imagined—teaching me resilience, independence, and the value of meaningful connections made throughout the years. I have gained amazing friends and found a second family along the way, and for that, I am forever grateful that I get to do my bachelor’s degree in Zhejiang Wanli University and living in Ningbo.

— Grace Angelina (Indonesia), International Business

Zhejiang Wanli University

————————————————

Class of 2025—thank you for sharing part of your youth with us in Ningbo. Congratulations, and here’s to a bright future glowing with hope and success.

By Pan Wenjie