Top 10 most beautiful universities in China

Universities are not just institutions of higher education and research; some are beautiful scenic spots in their own right. Here, China.org.cn presents its selection of the Top 10 most beautiful universities in China. All have their distinctive characteristics. Some are famous for their spectacular locations, some for their outstanding architecture, yet others for their beautiful gardens.

   Ocean University of China

Established in 1924, Ocean University of China is located in the coastal city of Qingdao. It is famous for the study of marine sciences and fisheries.

Ocean University has one of the most beautiful campuses in China, entirely composed of Western-style buildings. In summer, the buildings are surrounded by the trees and flowers of the university gardens. In winter, a dusting of snow adds a feeling of mystery and solemnity to the scene. The campus sits on a hill overlooking the sea and the old European-style town of Qingdao. Students can often been seen sitting outdoors reading in the sea breeze.
Soochow University (Suzhou)

Soochow University is located in Soochow, old name for today's Suzhou, one of China's oldest and most famous tourist destinations. The city has many refined classical gardens, which imitate natural scenery with pavilions, rocks, hills and rivers.

The campus grounds of Soochow University have been described as among China's most beautiful, in part based on the incorporation of typical features of the classical gardens in Suzhou.
 Anhui Normal University

Anhui Normal University, one of the oldest universities in Anhui province, is located on the south bank of the Yangtze River, close to the famous beauty spot of Zheshan.

It has a large Chinese language study program for overseas students. The campus is especially beautiful in winter when it is covered with snow.
 Sichuan University

Sichuan University is one of the oldest universities in China. It is ranked No. 8 among the Chinese universities according to the 2010 Academic Ranking of World Universities. Its 470 hectare campus is located in the provincial capital of Chengdu.

Sichuan University has a deserved reputation as one of the most beautiful campuses in China. Its Huaxi Campus is famous for its bell tower and the lotus blossoms that cover its lake in summer. Its buildings include grand modern teaching centers as well as older steepled buildings representing the university's long past as well as its determination to move with the times. The whole campus is set in a wonderful environment of lawns and trees.

Nanjing Normal University

Formerly Jinling women's college, Nanjing Normal University is a comprehensive normal university with a long history of postgraduate education. It was one the first higher education institutions in China to resume graduate programs after the Cultural Revolution.

The campus of Nanjing Normal University features woods, lawns and traditional Chinese-style buildings built in the early twentieth century. The university was also one of the sites of the international protection zone set up by foreign residents of Nanjing in an attempt to shield civilians from Japanese attacks during the infamous Nanjing Massacre.
Shenzhen University

Founded in 1983, Shenzhen University has 25 colleges, providing 65 undergraduate programs, 72 masters' programs and three doctoral programs.

The university is known as "Lychee Garden" because of the abundance of lychee trees planted on the campus, which also boasts a 500 meter-long lake surrounded by rolling hills and trees. The scenery has a picturesque Chinese name that means "Eagle hitting the water".
Tsinghua University

Founded in 1911, Tsinghua University is considered by many to be the best university in China. Covering 356 hectares, it is also one of the largest universities in China. Many celebrities have graduated from or worked at Tsinghua, including Nobel Laureates Tsung-Dao Lee and Yang Zhenning, China's current president Hu Jintao and writer Wen Yiduo.

Located on the site of a Qing Dynasty royal garden, the campus retains Chinese-style landscaping and buildings, as well as Western-style buildings that reflect the American influence in its history. The campus was named one of the most beautiful in the world by Forbes in 2010.
Peking University

Peking University is known for its long history, outstanding academic resources and beautiful campus.

The campus of Peking University, also known as Yan Garden, has been unofficially dubbed by many as the mini-Summer Palace for its great scenery near the Weiming Lake area, which was once part of a Qing Dynasty royal garden. The Boya Tower to the south of the lake is illuminated at night and its reflection in the lake is considered particularly beautiful. In warm days, students can be seen reading and studying beside the lake and in winter they skate on it.

The campus is also renowned for the beauty of its traditional Chinese architectures, similar to those inside the Forbidden City.

Xiamen University

Xiamen University was the first university in China to be founded by an overseas Chinese businessman. Located at the foot of green mountains and facing the blue ocean, the University is justly famous for its rolling green campus, which includes the beautiful Furong (Lotus) Lake. Nearby the campus is the Nan Putuo monastery which was established in the Tang Dynasty and is now a major training center for Buddhist monks.
Wuhan University

The history of Wuhan University can be traced back to 1893, making it one of the oldest universities in China. It is considered one of the most beautiful universities featuring the scenic Luojia Hill. The campus is particularly famous for its cherry blossoms. Every spring, thousands of people flock to a blossom festival on the campus.