Chongqing - As the summer break reaches its halfway point, universities across China are sending out admission letters to newly enrolled students, igniting a wave of creativity and excitement online. Far beyond a simple piece of paper, this year's college acceptance packages have become a canvas for schools to showcase their educational philosophies, cultural heritage, and design ingenuity—delighting students and capturing nationwide attention.

Traditionally, a formal notification of acceptance, the admission letter, has been reimagined by universities as an artistic and memorable first introduction to campus life. With unique designs, innovative materials, and thoughtful symbolism, these letters reflect the spirit and aspirations of each institution for its incoming students.

This year's standouts

At Renmin University of China, freshmen received an admission letter in the form of an illuminated "book lamp." When opened, it reveals historic scenes of students journeying to Yan'an, symbolizing the university's enduring spirit and illuminating the path ahead for new students.

The admission letter of Renmin University of China. (Photo credit Internet)

The admission letter of Renmin University of China. (Photo credit Internet)

Jilin Agricultural University made headlines with its “edible” admission letter, which features a unique sheet of mushroom mycelium paper developed by the university’s own research team. Each piece of this mushroom paper is handcrafted by students from the College of Mycology, making every admission package truly one-of-a-kind. While the main document remains conventional, the inclusion of this innovative paper highlights the university’s commitment to sustainability, creativity, and experiential learning.

Ocean University of China took romance to new heights by including a pendant filled with Antarctic seawater in its welcome package, alongside tea leaves sourced from a rural partner county in Yunnan. The pendant symbolizes broad horizons and resilience, encouraging new students to embrace the world with a sense of adventure.

The admission letter of Ocean University of China. (Photo credit Internet)

Harbin Institute of Technology captured the imagination with a space-themed admission letter, using heat-shield material from actual spacecraft and inviting students to send their wishes into space via the university’s next satellite launch.

Other universities offered equally distinctive touches. Southern University of Science and Technology included an “ignitable” black box that revealed the school motto in flames and augmented reality. 

The admission letter of Southern University of Science and Technology. (Photo credit Internet)

The admission letter of Southern University of Science and Technology. (Photo credit Internet)

Beijing University of Chemical Technology used carbon fiber for its admission letter, tough enough to slice a watermelon. Fudan University’s letter features fabric from traditional Lu’an silk and Kaihua paper (known as the "jewel on the crown of Chinese traditional handmade paper"), echoing the school’s rich legacy in its 120th anniversary year. Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine presented a fragrant gourd-shaped diffuser, blending herbal aroma and cultural symbolism. Zhejiang University of Technology introduced a “breathing” letter using eco-friendly translucent membrane technology, celebrating a decade of breakthroughs in water purification.

The admission letter of Fudan University. (Photo credit Internet)

The admission letter of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. (Photo credit Internet)

Blending tradition, innovation, and aspiration

These thoughtfully designed admission letters do more than impress—they tell stories of heritage, community, and future ambition. Through creative packaging and interactive experiences, universities bridge the gap between generations and disciplines, reinforcing the message that higher education is not only a new chapter but also a celebration of curiosity, responsibility, and growth.

For China's new undergraduates, receiving such a letter marks not just the start of university life but a meaningful, tangible welcome to a world of possibility.