BEIJING — Under the hot September sun, columns of university freshmen in army fatigues march into Tsinghua University’s main stadium. The tallest young man in a company of 170 leads with a red flag as his classmates train their eyes forward, trying to keep perfectly synchronized. Patriotic music blares, and an announcer yells, “Make sure to practice the good thoughts, good behavior, and good habits you learned during the military training in your future study and life!”
Crowds of parents and curious locals try to catch a glimpse through the stadium’s fence as the final platoon settles into standing formation. Tsinghua University, considered “China’s MIT” and alma mater to Chinese President Hu Jintao, is celebrating the conclusion of 20 days of marching, drilling, and adherence to commanders’ orders. Across the country, nearly every university is staging the same pageantry — part of the Chinese government’s efforts to keep its citizens patriotic and, perhaps, obedient. In today’s rapidly changing China, however, this traditional rite of passage, known as Junxun, seems less relevant for a generation grown used to peace and prosperity.

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