Over the past 60 years, Xi'an Jiaotong University, a top Chinese comprehensive university, has made great achievement both for self development and the local economy.

The central government made the decision to move the school from Shanghai in east coast of China, to the inland city Xi'an in 1955 as part of the country's overall strategic layout.

Zhang Maizeng, secretary of the school's Party committee, said moving the school from the east to the west is a successful example of China's higher education development and a strategic layout adjustment.

"The moving of the university added a multi-disciplinary polytechnic university in the Western region of China," said Zhang.

Wang Shuguo, president of Xi'an Jiaotong University, said the university's main body moved to Xi'an with 6,000 of its staff from a flourishing city, Shanghai, and faced many living difficulties.

"The old professors and their families reflected a strong patriotic feeling as they left their hometown and comfortable living conditions," said Wang.

Despite knowing difficult living conditions awaited, professor Chen Daxie sold his house in Shanghai and moved with his family to Xi'an.

Professor Zhong Zhaolin, who was persuaded by Premier Zhou Enlai not to move to Xi'an, said the backwards city of Xi'an needed them for development.

According to the school president, these are only two examples of the selfless dedication and sacrifice of scholars and professors. Not only did they advance the school's running ideas, they also brought advanced teaching experience and brought advanced scientific research elements. the school president said.

The university has made great achievements in education and scientific research with 236,000 graduating students and a large number of scientific research projects.

Since 2006, Xi'an Jiaotong University received 34 State-level awards and listed top 5 among all universities in China.

On Friday, a forum to commemorate the west moving of the school was held at the school. The participants said the spirits of old professors moving to Xi'an was the precious spiritual wealth that encouraged teachers and school staff to contribute to both the school's and region's development.