Chen Duxiu, Li Dazhao, and Mao Zedong, founders of the Chinese Communist Party, as well as Lu Xun, a great writer, thinker and chief champion of the Chinese New-Culture Movement, all either taught or held offices in the university.

• 中国共产党的创始人陈独秀、李大钊、毛泽东，中国新文化运动的主将文学家、思想家鲁迅都曾在北京大学任教或任职。