Being one of the Chinese top universities, the campus of Tsinghua University is situated in northwest Beijing on the site of the former imperial gardens of the Qing Dynasty, and surrounded by a number of historical sites.
Tsinghua University was established in 1911, originally under the name “Tsing Hua Imperial College”. The school was renamed “Tsing Hua College” in 1912. The university section was founded in 1925. The name “National Tsing Hua University” was adopted in 1928. The faculty greatly valued the interaction between Chinese and Western cultures, the sciences and humanities, the ancient and modern.
After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the University was molded into a polytechnic institute focusing on engineering in the nationwide restructuring of universities and colleges undertaken in 1952.
Since China opened up to the world in 1978, Tsinghua University has developed at a breathtaking pace into a comprehensive research university. At present, the university has 21 schools and 59 departments with faculties in science, engineering, humanities, law, medicine, history, philosophy, economics, management, education and art.
With the motto of “Self-discipline and Social Commitment” and the spirit of “Actions Speak Louder Than Words”, Tsinghua University is dedicated to the well-being of Chinese society and to world development. As one of China’s most prestigious and influential universities, Tsinghua is committed to cultivating global citizens who will thrive in today’s world and become tomorrow’s leaders. Through the pursuit of education and research at the highest level of excellence, Tsinghua is developing innovative solutions that will help solve pressing problems in China and the world.
The Old Gate
This landmark is the famous Old Gate of the Tsinghua Garden, a three-arched white jade gate with a black brick base. First constructed in 1909, the Old Gate served as the main entrance to the then Tsinghua Xuetang (Tsing Hua Imperial College).
Gong Zi Ting
Gong Zi Ting, the main building inside Tsinghua Garden, resembles the letter H (or the character gong) when seen from above. Since 1949, Gong Zi Ting has been the workplace for the university’s presidents and administrators.
The Main Building
The Main Building west, east, and middle parts are connected by four arcades. With a total floor area of over 76,000 m2, the huge building was second to none among all colleges in the 1960s.
The Auditorium
The Auditorium is located at the center of the campus. Nowadays, the Auditorium is mainly used for students’ cultural activities and entertainment, especially the Student Festival. It has held cherished memories, for those who have bloomed on this stage, who have participated in background work or even who just sat down and enjoyed the performance. The Auditorium records the history and spirit of Tsinghua, and also brings beautiful memories to every generation of Tsinghua students.
The Observatory
The Observatory, like a giant standing firmly there, has witnessed the vicissitudes of Tsinghua University through the rising and set of stars. Over the past few years, Tsinghua astrophysics has made great progress and ranked highly on a global-scale evaluation.
Tsinghua Xuetang
Of all the buildings constructed during the university’s early days, Tsinghua Xuetang was undoubtedly the first one, which is why it was known as No.1 Building back then. Throughout its long history, Tsinghua Xuetang has seen numerous passers-by. It is Tsinghua’s history in a nutshell. It guards the passionate youths of generations. It carries on the unique glamor and heritage, and sows the seeds of the future.
