Tsinghua University’s Beautiful Campus and Rich History
Tsinghua University campus is known for its beautiful gardens, historic buildings, and sculptures.
In 2010, Forbes included Tsinghua University in its list of the world’s “Most Beautiful College Campuses in the World“. It was the only Asian university on the list.
Architects praise Tsinghua University for its seamless blend of natural landscapes and architecture with distinct traditional Eastern features. The campus offers an inspiring environment where history and innovation exist in harmony.
Sculptures That Tell Stories
The sculptures scattered across Tsinghua’s campus add another layer of intrigue to its charm. They fall into two main groups:
Alumni Donations: Alumni gave these sculptures to Tsinghua University. Each work shows their creativity and lasting connection to the university.
Centennial Sculpture Exhibition: modern abstract works from the “Tsinghua Centennial Sculpture Exhibition” challenge viewers to imagine and interpret freely. These sculptures embody the saying, “Different people have different views, and wise people have their own insights.”
Endlessness（无尽）
Author: Hwang Seung-woo (South Korea)
Material: Stone
Placement: West side of West Lake Swimming Pool
Design Description: “My work appears to be a pile made of stacked paper, symbolizing how our lives are inseparable from paper. Paper holds an extremely important place in our daily lives.”
The Lotus（莲说）
Author: Zeng Chenggang
In art, the lotus often represents fullness. However, Zeng Chenggang’s lotus pod is withered and cracked, with only the seeds hidden inside, exuding an extraordinary luster.
“A withered lotus holds deeper meaning; it is aged and desolate but brimming with hope, embodying a stronger sense of life.”
This is Zeng Chenggang’s work, On the Lotus, which won the Chinese Young Artist Award. “Even if I were to create a serene ‘lotus,’ I would still strive to convey the power of life,” he says.
Architectural and Natural Harmony
Over more than 80 years, Tsinghua University added buildings in several styles. These include traditional Chinese, Western classical, Soviet-inspired, and modern designs.
Together, these buildings bring Eastern and Western styles onto one campus. They also mix old and new designs.
Tsinghua Garden: A Historical Treasure
The Tsinghua University campus stands on the site of former Qing Dynasty imperial gardens. The university opened in 1911, in the early 20th century. The historic Tsinghua Garden dates back to the early 18th century. In 1925, Tsinghua established its university section.
Built on the grounds of Qing Dynasty imperial gardens, it shares origins with the nearby Old Summer Palace. Originally part of Xichun Garden, this area was once a suburban villa for imperial princes during the Kangxi reign.
An artificial lake lies at the centre of the garden. Stone benches surround the lake. Lotus plants grow in the water. Their lotus leaves and lotus flowers add colour to the garden.
Two ancient pavilions stand among the trees. Together, they add to the garden’s peaceful atmosphere.
The Enchanting Guyue Hall
Guyue Hall is one of the ancient courtyards in Tsinghua Garden. It dates to the Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty.
Guyue Hall covers about 670 square metres. Two white stone lions stand at its entrance, beside a well-kept hanging flower gate.
At first, Guyue Hall served as a private study. Later, Tsinghua University used it as housing for teachers.
Its serene atmosphere attracted notable residents, including Liang Qichao and Zhu Ziqing, adding to its cultural and historical significance.
Shuimu Tsinghua and the Lotus Pond
The Lotus Pond of Shuimu Tsinghua forms part of the campus water system. The system also includes the Jinchun Garden Lotus Pond and Wanquan River.
On its southern bank, shaded by weeping willows, stands an elegant ancient building. Originally the rear annex of Gongzi Hall, it now serves as the corridor for “Shuimu Tsinghua.”
The inscription “Shuimu Tsinghua,” attributed to Emperor Kangxi, adds historical significance.
The phrase comes from a Jin Dynasty poem by Xie Hun, written in classical Chinese. An English translation appears below, followed by the original Chinese text.
“A gentle breeze stirs the lush garden,
White clouds gather over layered hills.
As the sun sets, birds converge,
The water and woods shine in serene splendor.”
（晋人谢混诗：“惠风荡繁囿，白云屯曾阿，景昃鸣禽集，水木湛清华。）
Miao Rixin graduated from Tsinghua University’s Department of Civil Engineering in 1958. He later led the university’s Infrastructure Planning Office.
Miao studied the site and described Tsinghua Garden as a well-preserved imperial garden in western Beijing. He also called it an important part of Chinese culture.
In 1860, Anglo-French forces burned the Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) during the Second Opium War. However, Tsinghua Garden survived.
During the Second Sino-Japanese War, the Japanese army occupied Tsinghua Garden. The occupation caused severe damage.
On October 10, 1946, Tsinghua University resumed operations, marking the start of a new chapter in its history.
Tsinghua Garden has stood through centuries of change. It has survived wars and welcomed generations of students. Today, it remains an important part of Tsinghua’s history.
Statue of Zhu Ziqing on the Water
Statue of Zhu Ziqing on the Water
The Statue of Zhu Ziqing on the Water (水上朱自清像) stands on Tsinghua’s campus. It honours Zhu Ziqing, a Chinese writer and educator.
Zhu wrote Moonlight over the Lotus Pond, an essay about nature and the lotus pond. The statue stands in water and shows him in a thoughtful pose. It honours his work in Chinese literature and his place in Chinese literary history.
Tsinghua University: China’s Top University
Tsinghua University ranks among the world’s top universities. It also attracts students from around the world. With a highly competitive acceptance rate, Tsinghua attracts the brightest minds from around the globe.
The Tsinghua University campus brings together history, nature, and modern design. From the inspiring sculptures and tranquil Lotus Pond to the historic Guyue Hall, every corner of Tsinghua tells a story of heritage and progress.
Plan Your Future Today! A visit to Tsinghua University is a chance to explore its history and beautiful campus. Ready to take the next step? Apply now with ApplyForChina and begin your journey at Tsinghua University!
