“Like a swallow that once flew far from home, I have finally returned—to my alma mater.”

As Chinese cinema celebrates its 120th anniversary, Lu Yan, an internationally renowned film figure and alumna of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, returned to her alma mater in Shanghai at nearly 100 years of age.

With silver hair and dressed in red, her outfit decorated with her favorite traditional Chinese knotted buttons, the teacher–student meeting held on December 8 was filled with laughter, applause, and warmth.

On December 8, Lu Yan, nearly 100 years old and an alumna of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, returned to her alma mater. (Photo provided by Shanghai Jiao Tong University)

“She has worked as a journalist, elementary school teacher, translator, laboratory technician, broadcaster, dubbing narrator, cashier, librarian, and financial manager—but throughout her life, she has always loved acting.” A short film reviewed Lu Yan’s legendary life spanning nearly a century.

Though age had left its marks and her voice carried the weight of time, Lu Yan remained determined to speak, conveying her deep affection for the land and its people with every heartfelt word.

Eighty years ago, in the aftermath of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, Jiaotong University returned from Chongqing to Shanghai and resumed its academic life. Still under the age of twenty, Lu Yan entered the Department of Finance of the School of Management, carrying with her a young student’s anticipation for university life, before leaving for the United States in 1947.

Lu Yan’s autobiography Return of the Swallow recounts how, after years of living overseas, she formally entered the world of theater in her thirties with encouragement from her husband. She gradually made her mark in Hollywood films, leaving behind notable performances.

At the exhibition “’Coming Home’ — Selected Archives of Alumna Lu Yan Collected by Shanghai Jiao Tong University,” visitors can see a collection of items she donated to her alma mater, reflecting her exchanges with Chinese and international cultural figures across different periods. These include inscription albums from Mei Lanfang and Feng Youlan, a painting by Han Meilin, a powder case gifted by Audrey Hepburn, as well as Lu Yan’s treasured Peking Opera costume photographs, film scripts, and handwritten theater manuscripts.

“When I see you,” Lu Yan said, “it feels as though I am seeing myself eighty years ago—stepping through the gates of Jiaotong University and beginning my own journey as a student.” As she presented copies of her autobiography Return of the Swallow to students and alumni representatives, she offered heartfelt words to the younger generation: “May you study with dedication and strive forward on this fertile ground that is Jiaotong University.”On December 8, Lu Yan visited the exhibition “‘Coming Home’ — Selected Archives of Alumna Lu Yan Collected by Shanghai Jiao Tong University.” (Photo provided by Shanghai Jiao Tong University)

Shanghai Jiao Tong University will celebrate its 130th anniversary in 2026. Lu Yan said, “I sincerely wish it abundant achievements and generations of outstanding students.”

Over the years, Lu Yan has continuously given back to her alma mater. In 1987, she donated funds to build the “Yan Yun Pavilion” on the Minhang Campus of Shanghai Jiao Tong University. To support the development of cultural and arts education, she also established the “Lu Yan Humanities Scholarship” to encourage academically excellent students to pursue their dreams in film and the arts.

“I have never considered myself especially intelligent, nor particularly gifted. My path was guided by love—and it was love that carried me forward, without pause or retreat. I do not see myself as truly successful either. If I have achieved anything at all, it is because every step was taken with diligence and sincerity.”

Today, as teachers and students at Shanghai Jiao Tong University open Return of the Swallow, they are able to hear Lu Yan’s voice—quiet, honest, and enduring.

Reporters: Chen Xiaoyu, Xu Xiaoqing

Translate: Steven Sun

Proofread: Rui Su