An Inquiry Beneath the Twin Peaks: Examining University Physics Education in Mainland China from the Perspectives of Feynman’s Intuition and Landau’s Rigor

The essence of physics lies in a synthesis of childlike curiosity and meticulous rigor, used to comprehend the universe. Consequently, the mission of physics education is not merely the transmission of formulas but the cultivation of an exploratory spirit and critical thinking. This paper presents a critical examination of the current state of university-level physics education in mainland China. A profound disconnect is observed between the intrinsic beauty of the discipline and the prevalent pedagogical methods, which often reduce physics to a tool for examinations. Students are frequently found to be proficient in formulaic application but lacking in a deep understanding of the underlying physical pictures, their motivation driven by academic scores rather than genuine interest. To diagnose these issues and propose reforms, we draw upon the pedagogical philosophies of two titans of physics: Richard P. Feynman, who championed intuitive understanding and the joy of discovery, and Lev D. Landau, who epitomized logical rigor and systematic construction of theory. By using their distinct yet complementary approaches as a lens, we analyze the systemic problems in physics education in mainland China, from utilitarian student motivation and flawed evaluation systems to the inadequacy of teaching materials. Ultimately, we argue for a synthetic approach, integrating Feynman’s emphasis on intuition with Landau’s demand for rigor, to forge a new path that revitalizes physics education and restores its true purpose: to inspire a profound and lasting passion for understanding the natural world.