Peking University

Peking University, known in Chinese as Beijing Daxue or abbreviated as Beida, is a major Chinese research university located in Beijing, China. It was established on July 3, 1898, as the Imperial University of Peking as part of the Hundred Days' Reform. The university was originally intended to train Chinese students in Western-style education and sciences, marking a significant departure from the traditional Chinese education system focused mainly on Confucian classics.

In 1952, Peking University underwent a major reorganization, which was part of a nationwide movement to create specialized institutions of higher education following the Soviet model. This reorganization involved moving some faculties to other universities and splitting the university into different schools and colleges. The university retained its faculties of science and humanities while the faculties of agriculture were transferred to the newly established China Agricultural University.

Peking University, like many other educational institutions in China, was greatly impacted by the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976). During this period, the university's classes were largely suspended, and many of its students and staff members were involved in the political turmoil. The revolution reshaped the educational and cultural landscapes of China, and Peking University was a central location for the Red Guard movement, with widespread debates and purges happening on campus.

In 1978, following the end of the Cultural Revolution, Peking University was one of the first universities in China to resume normal operations and initiate reforms. These reforms were part of a larger movement in China led by Deng Xiaoping, known as the Reform and Opening up. The university expanded its international collaboration, focused on improving educational standards, and adopted more rigorous scientific research, becoming a leading institution in China's modernization efforts.

On May 4, 1998, Peking University celebrated its 100th anniversary with a grand ceremony attended by numerous dignitaries, scholars, and alumni. The event marked a century of educational excellence and significant contributions to China's intellectual and cultural development. The centennial celebration was not only an acknowledgment of the university's historical importance but also a commitment to continuing its pursuit of academic excellence in the future.

On April 3, 2000, Peking University and Beijing Medical University were merged to form Peking University Health Science Center. This merger was part of a broader initiative to improve the quality and scope of medical education and research in China. By incorporating a top medical university, Peking University aimed to enhance its health sciences division and facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration, becoming a comprehensive center for higher learning and research.

In November 2002, Peking University established the HSBC Business School, located in Shenzhen, as a part of its expansion and strategic initiatives to enhance business education in China. The school was founded with the support of HSBC, one of the largest banking and financial services institutions globally. This initiative was aimed at providing world-class business training and research facilities, catering to the rapidly growing demand for skilled business professionals in Asia.

Yuanpei College was established at Peking University in October 2005, as an innovative reform project within the university. The college was named after Cai Yuanpei, a noted Chinese educator and former president of Peking University. It aims to provide greater academic freedom and encourages interdisciplinary studies among its students. Yuanpei College is seen as a move to reduce departmental barriers and create a more flexible curriculum that allows students to tailor their education.

Peking University hosted the tennis events during the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics. The university's Gymnasium was transformed to accommodate the international sporting event, showcasing its state-of-the-art facilities. This was a significant event for the university, placing it at the center of global attention during the Olympics and highlighting its contributions to China's cultural and international image.

In 2015, Peking University announced a new collaboration with Stanford University, enhancing academic and cultural exchange between the two prestigious institutions. This partnership aimed to foster joint research initiatives, exchange programs for students and faculty, and collaborative efforts in addressing global challenges. The collaboration underscores Peking University's commitment to internationalization and building a global academic network.

In January 2020, as the COVID-19 outbreak began to affect China, Peking University took proactive measures to respond to the crisis. The university quickly transitioned to online learning to ensure academic continuity while minimizing health risks to students and staff. Peking University also contributed to COVID-19 research, particularly in understanding the virus's impact and developing potential treatments and vaccines, demonstrating its role as a leading research institution in times of global health challenges.