BEIJING, May 3 (Xinhua) -- An opera, themed on the life of China's late space scientist Qian Xuesen (1911-2009), was staged in Peking University Thursday evening.

Li Changchun, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, watched the performance together with more than 1,400 students and teachers of the university.

Also known as Tsien Hsue-shen, Qian played a key role in China's missile and aviation programs after the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949 and considered the country's "Father of Chinese Rocketry."

The four-act opera elaborated how Qian and his wife Jiang Ying returned to China from the United States against all odds, when New China was founded, highlighting their patriotism and devotion to science.

Li urged students and teachers of the Peking University to carry on the legacy of Qian, known for his patriotism, rigid research style, innovative spirit and unselfishness, and create a campus atmosphere which honors science and creativity.

He also called on the Peking University to advance its research in social sciences and foster more talents to serve the country's economic and social development.