Education is the cornerstone of a great country's development and revitalization. One hundred and thirty years ago, Peiyang University, the predecessor of Tianjin University and the first modern university in China, was established with the mission of “Empowering the Nation through Education,” paving the way for higher education in China. Throughout the decades, it has remained committed to its original aspiration of nurturing the talents needed by the country.
On October 2, 2025, Tianjin University will celebrate its 130th anniversary. On this occasion, we warmly invite all alumni from home and abroad, as well as academics and distinguished guests from all walks of life, to join us in this grand celebration.
Together, let us explore new initiatives for the continued advancement of this century-old university and create a blueprint for enhancing China’s educational landscape.
Glorious Inception
In 1895, during the challenging times following China's defeat in the First Sino-Japanese War, Peiyang University proclaimed, “National strength commences with talent cultivation, and the promotion of education remains the top priority.” This laid the groundwork for modern higher education in China. Following the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, the university was officially renamed Tianjin University after a restructuring of academic departments.
Spanning three centuries, it has endured wars and multiple relocations while steadfastly committing to crafting a remarkable chapter in the history of higher education in China.
Unwavering Commitment
The founding aspirations inspire Tianjin University to align with the national ethos. We have supported the construction of the national industrial framework, pioneered the university party committee system, and forged synergies between student cultivation and labor education. We blazed a trail in training exceptional engineers and led the national development of emerging engineering education.
During this process, Tianjin University has established its unique foundational principles, which include the mission of “Empowering the Nation through Education,” the motto of “Seeking Truth from Facts,” a scholarly ethos rooted in patriotic fervor, and a dedication to innovation and excellence. Through diligent inquiry and refinement, the university has shaped minds and futures, cultivating over 300,000 high-level talents for both the nation and the world.
New Era, New Vision
In this new era and on this exciting journey, Tianjin University will honor its legacy while coordinating the integrated development of education, technology, and talent. We are committed to nurturing students for the greater good, following in the footsteps of our predecessors to advance the betterment of the nation and humanity.
As we approach the 130th anniversary, we extend our heartfelt gratitude and deep appreciation to all who have cherished and supported Tianjin University.
We invite all alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends to join us in celebrating our rich history and exciting future.
We look forward to celebrating this momentous occasion with you all.
Warmest regards,
Tianjin University
Translated by Zang Yifan
Editor: Eva Yin
