While the biopic Qian Xuesen is still showing in theaters, Xi'an Jiaotong University, one of its co-producers, has published a set of books from an original, previously unpublished manuscript by Qian.

The work includes volumes about Qian's studies of mechanics and aerospace engineering during his time in the US.

Qian (1911 - 2009) studied at Shanghai Jiaotong University, part of which moved to Xi'an in the 1950s and became Xi'an Jiaotong University.

In 1935, he enrolled at Massachusetts Institute of Technology to continue his education, and he later became famous for aerospace research.

He returned China in the mid-1950s and helped to build the country's defense and aviation industry.

"Qian Xuesen is a scientist who created intellectual wealth. The best way to make this wealth eternal is to publish it and let more people share it," said Qian Yonggang, Qian Xuesen's son.

Qian Yonggang helped in the publication of the books and production of the movie, which he believes is the best way to commemorate his father.

Li Ling, an official from the Ministry of Education, said updating old concepts on the training of talented students is the best way to celebrate Qian's 100th birthday, which fell on Dec 11.

Qian called for the reform of education in China, saying that the old system had not produced outstanding talent.

Zheng Nanning, president of Xi'an Jiaotong University, said the first class of the university's Qian Xuesen class, an experimental class built to cultivate talents, graduated in 2011, and the university will continue using these methods to train the second class.

To broaden students' vision, the Qian Xuesen class teaches philosophy and arts to first- and second-year engineering students, all of whom must maintain the highest standards to remain in the class.

All of the students in the first class went on to postgraduate school, either in China or abroad.

Of the second class, 26 of the 68 students who enrolled washed out, according to a Yang Songhao, a student.

The reporter can be reached at chengyingqi@chinadaily.com.cn