Xiamen University
Fujian Sheng
Xiamen University (XMU), located in Siming District of Xiamen, Fujian Province, China, is a top-tier public university founded in 1921 by the overseas Chinese philanthropist Tan Kah Kee. It is renowned for its comprehensive academic programs with strengths in mathematics, chemistry, oceanography, economics, management, law, communication, and political science. The university is affiliated with China's Ministry of Education and is part of prestigious initiatives such as Project 211, Project 985, and the Double First-Class Construction plan. XMU's campus is noted for its picturesque setting by the sea, featuring a blend of traditional Chinese and southern Fujian architectural styles with colonial and South Seas influences, many buildings being protected national heritage sites. The university has expanded over the decades to include multiple campuses: the historic Siming campus, Zhangzhou campus, Xiang'an campus, and a branch in Malaysia, making it the first Chinese university to establish an independent overseas campus. Xiamen University is also active in international cooperation, maintaining partnerships with over 260 foreign universities and hosting numerous Confucius Institutes worldwide. With over 45,000 students enrolled, it is a vibrant academic community fostering innovation, research, and cultural exchange.
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Tip: Visitors interested in exploring Xiamen University should plan their visit during spring or autumn when the campus gardens and surrounding landscapes are most beautiful. The university campus is open to the public and offers a serene environment ideal for walking tours. It is advisable to check for any special events or exhibitions, such as those at the university's Revolutionary History Exhibition Hall, which may require prior arrangements. While admission to the campus is free, some specific exhibitions or events may have limited access or require tickets. Early morning or late afternoon visits provide the best lighting for photography, especially around Furong Lake and the historic buildings. Public transport and shuttle buses serve the campus well, with multiple stops along the main campus area.
Interesting facts
- •Xiamen University was the first university in modern China founded by overseas Chinese.
- •During the Second Sino-Japanese War, the university was relocated to the mountainous region of Changting to escape Japanese invasion.
- •The Siming campus buildings are recognized as national key cultural relics due to their unique blend of Chinese and South Seas architectural styles.
- •Xiamen University was one of only five Chinese universities selected to represent China's higher education at the 1926 Sesquicentennial International Exposition in Philadelphia.
- •It established the first large-scale overseas branch campus of a Chinese university in Malaysia in 2016.
- •The university has 16 Confucius Institutes globally, promoting Chinese language and culture internationally.
History
Xiamen University was founded in 1921 by Tan Kah Kee, a Chinese expatriate and philanthropist in Singapore, initially as a private institution with fewer than 100 students and 20 faculty members.
In 1937, it was nationalized under the Republic of China government and renamed National Xiamen University.
During the Second Sino-Japanese War, the university temporarily relocated inland to Changting to avoid conflict.
Post-war, it returned to Xiamen and expanded its academic offerings.
In 1952, it was restructured as a comprehensive university combining arts and sciences.
It was designated a key national university in 1963 and later included in China's Project 211 and Project 985 initiatives to elevate top universities.
In 2014, the university established its first overseas campus in Malaysia, marking a milestone in Chinese higher education internationalization.
Throughout its history, XMU has been a center of academic excellence and patriotic spirit, contributing significantly to China's educational and cultural development.
Place Guide
Siming Campus1921
The main historic campus located on the southern tip of Xiamen Island, featuring scenic coastal views, Furong Lake, and numerous heritage buildings blending Chinese and South Seas architectural styles. It is a national protected cultural site and the heart of university life.
Revolutionary History Exhibition Hall2026 (renovated)
Located in the historic Tong'an Building on the Siming campus, this 535-square-meter museum commemorates the university's role in revolutionary movements and the founding of the first Communist Party branch in Fujian province in 1926. It features six exhibition rooms detailing the university's patriotic history.
Zhangzhou Campus2012 (established)
Situated across the sea in Zhangzhou Longhai, this campus supports international cooperation and innovation-focused education, housing the Creative and Innovation College and the International College. It continues the architectural style and academic spirit of the main campus.
Xiamen University Malaysia Campus2016
Established in 2016 near Kuala Lumpur, this branch campus is the first independent overseas campus of a Chinese university, offering comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs and fostering cross-cultural academic exchange.
Contact
Phone: 0592 218 0000
