Peking University
History
Peking University, colloquially known as Beida, is one of the most prestigious and oldest universities in China. It was founded as the Imperial University of Peking in 1898 as a replacement for the ancient Imperial Guozijian. This was part of the Hundred Days' Reform, a series of drastic reforms proposed by the Guangxu Emperor and his reform-minded supporters.
The university's establishment was part of an effort to modernize China and catch up with the western world. It was the first national university of China, aiming to spread western academic thought and systems to China. During its early years, the university offered a western-style education and focused on subjects such as science and engineering.
Campus
Peking University's campus is noted for its beautiful traditional Chinese architecture. It is located in Haidian District, in the western suburb of Beijing. The campus is adjacent to the Yiheyuan, a famed imperial garden and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The university's campus is a blend of traditional Chinese architecture and modern facilities, including state-of-the-art laboratories and research centers.
Academics
Peking University is a comprehensive and national key university. The university has maintained a faculty of renowned scholars and has been at the forefront of many academic disciplines. It is consistently ranked as one of the top academic institutions in China and globally. The university offers a wide range of programs, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, medical and health sciences.
Research
Peking University has been a major center for research in China. It has made significant contributions to the advancement of knowledge in numerous fields. The university hosts many research institutes, including the Beijing International Center for Mathematical Research, the Kavli Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics, and the School of Life Sciences.
Student Life
Peking University has a vibrant student life with a wide range of extracurricular activities. The university hosts numerous student organizations, clubs, and events that cater to a variety of interests. These include academic societies, sports teams, and cultural events.
Notable Alumni
Peking University has produced many notable alumni, including several Nobel laureates and many political leaders. Some of its most famous alumni include Zhou Enlai, the first Premier of the People's Republic of China, and Hu Shih, a key figure in the May Fourth Movement and a leading Chinese scholar.