In 1911, Tsinghua University Was Founded, Marking the Establishment of One of Mainland China’s Distinguished Education Institutions

The Founding and Evolution of Tsinghua University: A Century of Excellence (1911–Present)

Founded in 1911, Tsinghua University has grown into one of China’s most prestigious and globally recognized institutions of higher learning. Initially established as a preparatory school for students bound for the U.S., it evolved into a comprehensive university renowned for its excellence in engineering, sciences, business, and humanities. Today, Tsinghua ranks among the world’s top universities, holding the 25th position in the QS World University Rankings (2024) and ranking 13th globally in Engineering (THE World University Rankings). With over 38,000 students, including a diverse international community, and a faculty featuring Nobel laureates and academicians, Tsinghua is a leader in research, innovation, and global education. Its motto, "Self-Discipline and Social Commitment," reflects its mission to shape future leaders and contribute to societal progress.

Origins and Establishment (1911)

Tsinghua University, one of China's most prestigious institutions of higher learning, traces its origins to the tumultuous final years of the Qing Dynasty. The university was founded on April 29, 1911, under the name "Tsinghua Xuetang" (清华学堂) or "Tsinghua Imperial College," marking the beginning of its remarkable journey . This establishment was made possible through an unexpected source of funding - the Boxer Indemnity funds paid by China to the United States following the Boxer Rebellion (1899-1901) . The Qing government allocated these returned funds specifically for educational purposes, creating a preparatory school designed to prepare Chinese students for study abroad in America .

The campus was strategically located on the site of "Qing Hua Yuan," a former royal garden of the Qing Dynasty in Beijing's northwestern suburbs, an area surrounded by numerous historical sites . From 1909 to 1911, even before the official founding, three batches totaling 180 carefully selected students, including future luminaries like Mei Yiqi, Hu Shi, Zhao Yuanren, and Zhu Kezhen, were sent to the United States for higher education through this program . The institution's original purpose as a preparatory school for American-bound students significantly influenced its early academic orientation and international outlook.

Early Development and Transformation (1912-1928)

Following the 1911 Revolution that overthrew the Qing Dynasty, the school was renamed "Tsinghua School" in 1912, reflecting the new republican era . During these formative years, Tsinghua began developing its distinctive educational philosophy that would shape its future. The faculty placed great emphasis on the interaction between Chinese and Western cultures, as well as between the sciences and humanities . This balanced approach was championed by renowned scholars Wang Guowei, Liang Qichao, Chen Yinque, and Zhao Yuanren, collectively known as the "Four Tutors" of the Institute of Chinese Classics, whose influence profoundly impacted Tsinghua's intellectual development .

A significant milestone came in 1925 with the establishment of the university section and the launch of a four-year undergraduate program, marking Tsinghua's transition from a preparatory school to a degree-granting institution . This expansion culminated in 1928 when the institution was officially renamed "National Tsinghua University," organized with 16 departments across four schools: Liberal Arts, Law, Sciences, and Engineering . This period saw Tsinghua emerge as a comprehensive university with growing academic prestige.

Wartime Challenges and Postwar Recovery (1937-1949)

The outbreak of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression in 1937 forced Tsinghua to relocate as part of China's academic resistance. Along with Peking University and Nankai University, Tsinghua formed the Changsha Temporary University (Lin-shih-ta-hsueh), which later moved to Kunming in 1938 and became the National South-West Associated University . Despite wartime hardships, this period produced remarkable academic achievements and cultivated a generation of outstanding scholars. The three universities pooled their resources, creating one of the most distinguished academic communities in modern Chinese history.

In 1946, following the war's end, Tsinghua returned to its original Beijing campus in "Qing Hua Yuan" (Tsinghua Garden) and underwent significant expansion, establishing a School of Agriculture among other developments . The postwar period saw the university grow to 26 departments across five schools: Liberal Arts, Law, Sciences, Engineering, and Agriculture , reflecting its maturation as a comprehensive national university.

Restructuring and Specialization (1950s-1970s)

The founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949 ushered in a new era for higher education. In 1952, a nationwide restructuring of universities transformed Tsinghua into a polytechnic institution focused on engineering education . This reorganization significantly altered Tsinghua's academic landscape, emphasizing technical training to meet national development needs. In November 1952, Jiang Nanxiang was appointed President, leading Tsinghua to become China's premier center for training engineers and scientists known for both professional excellence and personal integrity .

During this period, Tsinghua played a crucial role in China's industrialization, producing generations of engineering talent. The university's motto, "Self-discipline and Social Commitment," became deeply ingrained in its educational philosophy, inspiring students and faculty to contribute to national development .

Reform, Expansion, and Globalization (1978-Present)

China's reform and opening-up policy in 1978 marked a turning point for Tsinghua. The university gradually restored disciplines in science, economic management, humanities, and law that had been discontinued during the polytechnic era . In 1984, Tsinghua established China's first Graduate School and formed the School of Economic Management from its existing department of management engineering, while also reestablishing its School of Sciences . These developments signaled Tsinghua's transformation into a comprehensive research university.

The 1990s and early 2000s saw rapid expansion and disciplinary diversification. Notable milestones included the 1999 merger with the Central Academy of Arts and Design to create the School of Arts and Design 19, and the 2012 incorporation of the Graduate School of the People's Bank of China as the Tsinghua University PBC School of Finance . The university established numerous new schools and departments, including Medicine (2001), Journalism and Communication (2002), and Aerospace (2004).

Tsinghua's international stature grew significantly in the 21st century. In 2017, it launched its "Double First-Class" initiative to build world-class universities and disciplines . The establishment of Schwarzman College in 2015 created an elite global affairs program attracting top international students . By 2024, Tsinghua ranked among the world's top universities, with QS ranking it 25th globally .

Academic Profile and Global Impact

Today, Tsinghua University stands as a world-leading comprehensive institution offering programs across engineering, science, economics, management, art, medicine, philosophy, law, literature, history, and education . It comprises 20 schools and 59 departments 7, with 49 disciplines recognized as National Key Disciplines 8. The university offers 61 Bachelor's, 198 Master's, and 181 Doctoral programs 8, serving over 38,000 students, including about 9% international students from over 130 countries .

Tsinghua's faculty includes 34 academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, 30 academicians of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, a Nobel Laureate, and a Turing Award winner . The university excels particularly in engineering and technology fields, ranking 13th globally in Engineering and 6th in Business and Economics according to THE World University Rankings . Its main research focuses include information science, life science, new materials, energy, environmental science, and advanced manufacturing .

The university actively engages in global academic partnerships, such as the Global Alliance of Universities on Climate (GAUC) co-chaired with the London School of Economics . These collaborations reflect Tsinghua's commitment to addressing global challenges through education and research at the highest level of excellence .

From its origins as a preparatory school funded by indemnity payments to its current status as a global academic leader, Tsinghua University's century-long journey mirrors China's own transformation. Guided by its motto and the spirit of "Actions Speak Louder than Words," Tsinghua continues to cultivate global citizens capable of leadership in an interconnected world while maintaining its deep roots in Chinese culture and commitment to national development . As it moves forward, Tsinghua remains dedicated to its founding ideals while innovating to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Photo from: iStock

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