Nanjing University

Nanjing University (NJU or NU, simplified Chinese: 南京大学), or Nanking University, located in Nanjing, China, is one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher learning in China. Following many changes through dynasties since CE 258, it was established as a modern school in 1902 in late Qing dynasty, and became a modern university in the early 1920s, during the early years of Republic of China, becoming the first Chinese modern university which combined teaching and research. It became a pioneer in higher education in China and set the foundation for the establishment of the modern educational system in China. Before the eve of establishment of People’s Republic of China in 1949, the name was changed from National Central University to Nanjing University.

Nanjing University is consistently ranked among the top few comprehensive research universities in China. It is a member of “China’s Ivy League”, C9 League, and Yangtze Delta Universities Alliance. Nanjing University and Peking University are consistently ranked as the two top universities for Chinese Language and Literature in China . Nanjing University is also a top research university for natural sciences, being ranked 2nd in China (1st being Peking University), 3rd in Asia Pacific and 12th in the world in the Nature Index 2017 , outperforming California Institute of Technology, Cornell University, Imperial College London, National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University, among others. Nanda is ranked 3rd in the field of Chemistry, and 12th in the field of Physical Science, among all universities in the world in Nature Index 2017 as well. Hence, Peking University and Nanjing University are widely recognized as the two top universities for natural sciences and Chinese Language and Literature in China. Its faculty include more than twenty Nobel Laureates . It is a national university under the direct supervision of Ministry of Education of China, and is funded by national and Jiangsu provincial governments, as well as other income sources like donations. Nanda mainly has two campuses: Xianlin campus, located in northeast of Nanjing south of the Yangtze River, which is the home to most undergraduates and large part of graduates, and Gulou campus, located at the center of Nanjing City.

NJU at A Glance

 

Sincerity with Aspiration, Perseverance with Integrity: Century-Old Tradition and Motto of the University

 

(Motto: Sincerity with  Aspiration, Perseverance with Integrity)

Over the past century, Nanjing University has been through many vicissitudes and experienced repeated changes in its name and location, but its traditional spirit of honesty, perseverance, self-reliance and unremitting pursuit of truth and creativity has been passed on from generation to generation and will be carried forward into the future. It is such fine tradition and spirit that allow the university to establish itself in the growth of the Chinese and world civilization, enrich its cultural heritage and nurture honest, persistent and self-reliant students. Since its establishment over a hundred years ago, Nanjing University has maintained its youthful vigor and made progress in various undertakings. It has made remarkable achievements in areas such as talent training, scientific research, social work and academic exchanges and has made indelible contributions to China’s scientific, cultural and educational undertakings.

 

“Sincerity” is the most original part of the traditional spirit of Nanjing University. It means honesty, earnestness and simpleness, with honesty being the core and root. Learning with sincerity means seeking truth from facts and being rigorous and diligent in pursuing truth. Only in this way can we make true achievement in learning and shoulder the responsibility of rejuvenating the Chinese nation.

 

“Aspiration” asks for grandeur and greatness. It urges us to be ambitious in “doing big things” and to foster the spirit of fearlessness. Both we teachers and students should have a sense of responsibility and a sense of calling so that we can link our own goals with the needs of the development of our country and the progress of human civilization.

 

While “Sincerity with Aspiration” reflects the educational philosophy and objectives of the university, “Perseverance with Integrity” lay stress on the approach to achieving these objectives. These two words encourage us teachers and students to work hard and practice with our hands. We should not only have great ambitions but also put to practice what we have found to be true. Only through down-to-earth practice can we fulfill ourselves and show to others what we know and who we are.

Nanjing University’s Spirit

(Spirit: Rigorous, Realistic,  Diligent, Creative)