Spring Semester Arrives: University WeChat Moments Burst into Bloom!

📍 Beijing · 👁 1 reads · ❤️ 59 likes

The message of early spring meets a fulfilling new semester. The late start makes university students' WeChat Moments livelier than ever. See what each school is showing off? Which campus scenery is the most beautiful, and which food surprises you the most?

Admire the white magnolias blooming in spring, the 'gentleman among flowers'

Fudan University traces its roots to Aurora Academy founded by Ma Xiangbo in 1902. The name 'Fudan' (meaning 'restoration of light') comes from the famous line 'The sun and moon shine brightly, day after day renews' in the Book of Documents, symbolizing ceaseless self-improvement; it also implies remembering Aurora, and even more, the rejuvenation of China.

The soaring Guanghua Tower, tall and upright, showcases Fudan's unique character. The white magnolia blooming in spring is Fudan's school flower. In March 1913, in lingering spring chill, Fudan College had just moved from Wusong to the Li Ancestral Hall in Xujiahui, western Shanghai. In the courtyard stood several white magnolia trees. Teachers and students praised them as 'gentlemen among flowers' and adopted them as the school flower. In 1947, President Li Denghui formally proposed the white magnolia as Fudan's flower.

'Dine at Tongji, Play at Fudan' – Collide with cherry blossoms

Tongji University began in 1907 as the German Medical School founded by German physician Erich Paulun in Shanghai. It was taken over by Chinese in 1917 and officially named Tongji University in 1923; in 1927 it became National Tongji University, one of China's first seven national universities.

Every late March, cherry blossoms burst into full bloom along the campus avenues, buzzing with vitality – it's a famous cherry blossom viewing spot in Shanghai. 'Dine at Tongji, Play at Fudan' – beyond the stunning scenery, Tongji's canteens rank among the best in Chinese universities. There are eight canteens on Siping Road Campus: the hugely popular Xueyuan Canteen, exotic Sanhaowu Restaurant, late-night favorite Xiyuan Canteen, Banmu Yuan Restaurant, bakery, and more. Not only do they live up to their reputation, but they are also fairly priced, allowing staff and students to enjoy delicious meals to their hearts' content.

Accommodation: GreenTree Inn Shanghai Fudan University Wujiaochang Metro Station Smart Hotel

The hotel is near Fudan University and Tongji University, within walking distance, and adjacent to the Wujiaochang commercial hub. The hotel is elegantly decorated, with even better prices in spring.

A Century of History – Meet at Shui Mu Tsinghua

Tsinghua University, also known as Tsinghua Garden, is a university that blends academia with scenic beauty. Its famous eight sites include Shui Mu Tsinghua, Lotus Pond Moonlight, Tsinghua School, Jinchun Garden, Ziqing Pavilion, the Sports Center, Diving Hall, and the sundial.

The most renowned spot is Shui Mu Tsinghua, where seasonal forests and hills embrace a shimmering pond, and two exquisite classical pavilions nestle among the trees. The plaque 'Shui Mu Tsinghua' (Clear Waters and Luxuriant Trees) comes from a poem by Xie Hun of the Jin Dynasty: 'Gentle breezes roam the lush gardens, white clouds linger on towering peaks. Evening sun, birds chirp in clusters, clear waters and trees reflect the brilliance.' The Lotus Pond Moonlight scene in Jinchun Garden is famous because of Zhu Ziqing's essay 'Moonlight over the Lotus Pond'.

With top students from all over the country, the canteen naturally serves a national range of foods. The variety is rich: traditional Chinese noodles and snacks, Western-style fast food, as well as teppanyaki, rice bowls, mala tang, braised meats and marinades. Legendary spicy pot in Lilac Garden, Sichuan spicy noodles, acclaimed teppanyaki, colorful and fragrant oil-splashed noodles, silky hollow noodles, and delicious affordable boiled fish fillets in chili oil.

By Weiming Lake, the Graceful Shadow of Yan Garden

Peking University was founded in 1898, originally named Imperial University of Peking, China's first national comprehensive university. Today's campus actually belongs to the former Yenching University; because it was once Yenching's campus, it is affectionately called 'Yan Garden'. It is hailed as the 'Harvard of China'.

Some describe the beauty of PKU with four words: 'One Pagoda, One Lake, One Library' – the pagoda is Boya Pagoda, the lake is Weiming Lake, and the library is the new university library. Boya Pagoda, surrounded by pines and cypresses, and the rippling Weiming Lake compose a grand vista in Yan Garden. Ancient trees tower, and many Ming-Qing buildings are scattered throughout, offering both the unique tranquility of a campus and the scholarly atmosphere of a centennial imperial university.

Speaking of PKU canteen food, not only do university members dine there, many non-students from nearby also come for the complete variety and great taste.

Beijing has many universities, and many fun spots. Besides PKU and Tsinghua, there are also Renmin University of China, Communication University of China and other well-known institutions worth visiting.

Accommodation: GreenTree Inn Beijing Chaoyang Communication University South Gate Express Hotel

Adjacent to the metro, convenient transportation, and easy access to Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and Happy Valley.

The Most Romantic Garden-Style University in China

Founded in 1921 by the renowned patriotic overseas Chinese leader Tan Kah Kee, it was the first university established by overseas Chinese in modern Chinese educational history.

Built by the sea, backed by mountains and facing water, with tree-lined pathways, Xiamen University features Tan Kah Kee-style architecture: sloping roofs, red tiles, arches, columns, corridors, and grand staircases, a skillful blend of southern Fujian and Western styles. XMU is widely recognized as a garden-like campus, with famous spots like Furong Lake and Lovers' Valley, full of romantic ambience. The campus is filled with retro-style buildings; no visitor to Xiamen would miss Xiamen University.

Accommodation: Gefei Xiamen Siming District Xiamen University Huandao Road Hotel

Adjacent to the thousand-year-old Nanputuo Temple, less than 100 meters from XMU in a straight line, and facing the beautiful Gulangyu Island across the sea. From the hotel, easy walks lead to Nanputuo Temple, Huandao Road Beach, Yanwu Bridge Viewing Platform, Shimao Strait Mansion (Twin Towers), Cat Street, Shapowei, and the Overseas Chinese Museum.

'China's Gentlest University'

Old scenes of the Republic of China, lingering dreams of Jinling; a century of prosperity reappears in Xianlin. Nanjing University's Gulou Campus and Xianlin Campus present two completely different charms. Gulou features Western-style architecture, while Xianlin is filled with a modern humanistic atmosphere.

A 116-year accumulation of history and culture permeates every blade of grass, every brick and tile. NJU's predecessor dates back to the Imperial Academy of the Three Kingdoms period, and its modern history began with Sanjiang Normal College in 1902.

The campus is steeped in literary atmosphere. Despite being in a bustling area, NJU exudes a sense of being hidden from the city. Ivy-covered walls, Republican-era buildings, a sense of history overwhelms – elegant, profound, and dignified. This is why NJU has been voted 'China's Gentlest University'.

Accommodation: GreenTree Eastern Nanjing Xianlin University Town Wanda Mall Hotel

The hotel is grand and aesthetically pleasing, equipped with smart rooms, close to the metro station, and offers free parking and shuttle service. Nearby malls and restaurants offer everything.

Food Paradise SCU – So Good You Won't Want to Leave

Sichuan University is a long-established institution formed by merging Sichuan University, Chengdu University of Science and Technology, and West China University of Medical Sciences. The campus covers over 7,000 mu (approx. 467 hectares). The most famous Wangjiang Campus features both nearly century-old Chinese classical buildings and grand structures blending Chinese and Western elements. It's named Wangjiang (Riverside) because it neighbors Wangjiang Tower Park. While there, do visit Wangjiang Park and savor the Wangjiang Tower.

Speaking of Sichuan, food immediately comes to mind. SCU's cuisine is countless. The variety is so rich that almost anything you can think of is available, such as duck neck, duck intestines, spicy crayfish – truly enough to make you linger.

Accommodation: Chengdu Designer Chunxi Road Hotel

This hotel is full of stylish design, a themed and distinctive internet-famous hotel. With a deep understanding of color and texture, it uses the national treasure panda as its motif and adopts pop art expression, blending Chinese culture with avant-garde art. Three metro lines converge, adjacent to several transport hubs, making everywhere in Chengdu easily accessible. The hotel is suitable for family vacations, girls' get-togethers; enjoy rooftop afternoon tea, local delicacies, and various trendy room types...

China's Most Beautiful Garden-Like University

Soochow University traces back to the Soochow University founded in 1900, one of China's earliest universities with a modern disciplinary system. Located in the cultural ancient city of Suzhou, the campus combines European-style school buildings and Chinese classical garden architecture, creating a unique charm. Sights include the Bell Tower, Binglin Library, and Zunshi Pavilion.

Suzhou has long been praised as 'Paradise on Earth,' and Soochow University is a microcosm of Suzhou's signature garden-like beauty. In spring, under bright sunshine, the old buildings of varied styles glow in the sunset hues, with lush trees shading red brick walls.

Accommodation: GreenTree Eastern Suzhou Dushu Lake Yinshan Lake Guoyuan Road Metro Station Hotel

This hotel is relatively close to Soochow University, and importantly, there are other scenic spots nearby, close to Suzhou ancient city area, west to Wuzhong downtown, north to Dushu Lake, and east to Suzhou Industrial Park's Dushu Lake Higher Education Area. The mattresses and pillows in the rooms are super comfortable – I heard they're stress-relieving ones, and I want the same.

GreenTree Eastern Suzhou SIP Expo Center Yangcheng Lake Union Plaza Hotel

The hotel features floor-to-ceiling windows, surrounded by lakes on two sides, with beautiful scenery. It's a 5-minute drive from the SIP High-Speed Train Station, 10 minutes from the SIP Expo Center. Multiple bus routes nearby provide direct access, transportation is convenient, and there's a large parking lot. You can enjoy views of Qingjian Lake and Yangcheng Lake without stepping out! Members can also enjoy a free gym and a nutritious buffet breakfast – great value!

'In March, go down to Yangzhou.' How can spring miss it?

Yangzhou has its own Slender West Lake, and Yangzhou University brings together Yangzhou's beauty, making Slender West Lake its backyard. On campus, antique-style buildings make you feel as if you've traveled back to the prosperous millennium.

Yangzhou University originated from Tongzhou Normal School and Tonghai Agricultural School founded by Zhang Jian in 1902. This century-old university has seven campuses spread throughout Yangzhou. The most classical is Slender West Lake Campus – just outside its east gate, not far away, is the famous Slender West Lake scenic area. Each campus canteen offers its own specialties, plus the university's self-developed Yangda milk and Yangda bread.

'In March, go down to Yangzhou.' This is the perfect season to visit.

GreenTree Inn Yangzhou Wanda Smart Hotel

The hotel is adjacent to Wanda Plaza, Citizen's Square, and Yangzhou Grand Theater. It is centrally located among famous scenic spots: the 5A-level Slender West Lake, World Cultural Heritage sites Ge Garden, He Garden, Dongguan Street, and Daming Temple. Not only can you explore each campus, but also fully enjoy the major attractions.

The Beauty of Jiangnan – The Taihu Charm

Spring is the most beautiful season at Jiangnan University. The campus space is imbued with Jiangnan water town charm, truly a springtime delight.

Located in Wuxi, Jiangnan University borders the vast Taihu Lake to the south and the Changguangxi National Wetland Park to the west, enjoying an unparalleled geographic location and ecological environment.

Accommodation: Gefei Wuxi Sunac Cultural Tourism City Jiangnan University Hotel

The hotel is only 1.5 kilometers from Jiangnan University, with nearby attractions like Huahao Film Studio, Sunac Cultural Tourism City, Taihu Expo Center, Lihu Lake, and Three Kingdoms Film City. The hotel design is relaxed and elegant, some rooms even have garden balconies, and the service is impeccable!

Travel Journal Directory

1. Fudan University

2. Tongji University

3. Tsinghua University

4. Peking University

5. Xiamen University

6. Nanjing University

7. Sichuan University

8. Soochow University

9. Yangzhou University

10. Jiangnan University

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