'Salute Boy' to study at Peking University

Lang Zheng, who touched the nation's heart after the Wenchuan earthquake in 2008 for saluting the soldiers who rescued him, has been admitted to Peking University after achieving excellent results in the college entrance examination.

He will study international politics at the School of International Studies at one of China's most prestigious universities, Lang's father said on Sunday.

Fifteen years ago, 3-year-old Lang became known as the "Salute Boy", after a deadly magnitude 8.0 earthquake hit Sichuan province.

As Lang, who was rescued from rubble in Beichuan county, one of the worst-hit areas near the epicenter, was being carried by soldiers on a makeshift stretcher, he gave them a military salute. The touching moment was captured by a photographer and prompted an outpouring of emotion nationwide.

His life has been often put under spotlight as people wish see the earthquake survivors, especially children who were rescued in the Wenchuan earthquake, are doing well.

During an earlier interview, Lang said he remains grateful to those who helped him and enabled his hometown to rise from ashes. And after becoming a university student, he will strive to become a person of value to the society and repay the kindness he has received.