China has become a sought-after destination for international students seeking the highest quality of higher education. Yet, students face an overwhelming number of options with over 2,000 universities in the country to choose from. To help make your decision easier, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 universities in China that stand out for their academic excellence, global reputation, and diverse student body, along with interesting facts about each university.
Tsinghua University*
Tsinghua University, located in Beijing, is not only considered one of the best universities in China, but is also ranked 16th globally in the 2022 QS World University Rankings. The university has an impressive track record of producing Nobel laureates, with a total of 8 alumni and faculty members awarded the Nobel Prize in fields such as physics, chemistry, and economics. Tsinghua University is a member of the C9 League, a group of China’s top nine universities that are considered to be the equivalent of the Ivy League in the United States. The university’s picturesque campus is also known for its traditional Chinese architecture and beautiful gardens.
Peking University*
Also located in Beijing, Peking University is one of China’s oldest and most prestigious universities, with strengths in humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
The university alumni consists of many influential figures in Chinese politics, culture, and academia, including the Chinese leaders Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping, two Nobel laureates, six of China’s eight astronaut corps members, and 57 members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Peking University has a long-standing tradition of holding an annual sports meet, known as the “May Fourth Games,” that features various athletic competitions such as track and field, basketball, and swimming. The games are held in honor of the May Fourth Movement, a student-led protest that took place in China in 1919 and is considered a seminal event in Chinese modern history. The May Fourth Games are not only a celebration of sports and physical fitness but also a reminder of the important role that students and youth play in shaping society.
*Note that while Tsinghua and Peking University are highly regarded universities in China, almost all of their bachelors programs are taught in Chinese. Therefore, international students who are not proficient in Mandarin Chinese may need to enroll in language courses or find alternative universities that offer programs in English.
Fudan University
Fudan University, located in Shanghai, is a leading university in China that has been around since 1905. With a strong emphasis on research and innovation, Fudan University is home to a diverse and accomplished community of scholars and researchers.
It is also home to the Fudan-Zuckerberg Institute for Global Health, which was established in collaboration with the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, focusing on research and innovation in global health challenges such as infectious diseases, environmental health, and non-communicable diseases.
Zhejiang University 
Zhejiang University, located in Hangzhou, is a prestigious university in China. It is well-known for its cutting-edge research in a variety of fields, including science, engineering, medicine, and the humanities. The university is a leader in promoting global partnerships and exchanges, and so it attracts students and scholars from around the world. Many programs are offered in English, and curriculums offer a focus on internationalization and collaboration.
The university is located in the picturesque city of Hangzhou, known for its scenic beauty and cultural heritage. Hangzhou is also home to the famous West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is often considered one of the most beautiful cities in China.
ShanghaiJiao Tong University
Shanghai Jiao Tong University, commonly referred to as SJTU, is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in China, located in Shanghai. SJTU has a strong emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship, and it has produced numerous successful startups and tech companies.
SJTU is known for its annual “SJTU Entrepreneurship Forum,” which brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts from around the world to discuss and promote innovation and entrepreneurship. The forum has become a major platform for fostering collaboration between academia and industry in China.
Wuhan University
Wuhan University has a diverse student population, including a significant number of international students from over 120 countries. It is known for its strong academic programs, particularly in the fields of science, engineering, and medine, along with its top-notch faculty and facilities. It is located in Wuhan, a major city in China, offering international students many opportunities to experience a rich cultural heritage and diverse culinary scene.
It is host to the Wuhan University Cherry Blossom Festival, held every spring when the cherry blossoms on campus are in full bloom. The festival attracts thousands of visitors each year, and it is considered one of the most beautiful cherry blossom viewing spots in China.
Renmin University of China 
Renmin University of China, located in Beijing, has a reputation for producing many influential figures in Chinese politics and academia. Its academic strengths lie in economics, law, and business. There are often various scholarships and financial aid opportunities to help international students.
Renmin University of China is known for its “Yan Yuan Forum” (The Young Scholars Forum), which invites renowned scholars, politicians, and business leaders from around the world to discuss and exchange ideas on important global issues. The forum has become a prominent platform for intellectual discourse and international exchange.
Nanjing University
Nanjing University attracts international students for its highly-qualified professors, modern facilities, and well-equipped libraries. It is based in the city of Nanjing, which is highly regarded for its diverse cultural experiences. The university offers a large range of extra curricular activities allowing students to socialize and develop skills outside the classroom.
The university is home to the famous “Nanjing University Plum Blossom Festival,” held annually during the blooming season of plum blossoms on campus. The festival features various cultural performances, art exhibitions, and other activities, attracting visitors from all over China to admire the beauty of the plum blossoms and experience Chinese culture.
Fuzhou University
Its beautiful “garden” campus is one of the highlights of attending Fuzhou University. Surrounded by mountains and water, it is a truly picturesque setting to live and study in. The university offers modern facilities, including well-equipped laboratories and libraries, and student resources such as career services, student clubs, and cultural activities.
Fuzhou University even has its own tea plantation covering over 10,000 square meters, on the slopes of the scenic Baiyun Mountain. Student and faculty can participate in tea-picking activities, learn about tea culture, and enjoy freshly brewed tea.
Sun Yat-sen University (Zhongshan University)
Sun Yat-sen University, located in Guangzhou, is named after Sun Yat-sen, a renowned Chinese revolutionary and the founding father of modern China. It is also known for its close ties with overseas Chinese communities and has established many overseas alumni associations and research institutes. The university also hosts the “Overseas Chinese Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum,” which aims to promote innovation and entrepreneurship among young overseas Chinese students and scholars.
It was also the first university in China to establish a department of sports science in 1924, with a focus on physical education and sports training. The university’s sports science department has produced numerous renowned athletes and coaches, and it continues to be a leader in sports science research and education in China.
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Saskia is from South Africa and Zimbabwe, has studied at Shenzhen University and has received HSK 6 in Chinese.
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