University Opening Season: When Spring Blossoms on Campus

The breath of spring meets a fulfilling new semester. The delayed return to campus has made university students' social media feeds livelier than ever. Let’s see what each school is sharing—which campus boasts the most beautiful spring scenery and which serves the most surprising delicacies.

Admire the Blooming White Magnolia, the "Gentleman Among Flowers"

Fudan University traces its roots to Aurora College, founded by Ma Xiangbo in 1902. The name "Fudan" comes from a famous line in the Book of Documents: "Brilliant are the sun and moon, day after day they rise," symbolizing self-improvement; it also honors the legacy of Aurora and carries the meaning of rejuvenating China.

The iconic Guanghua Tower stands tall and grand, reflecting Fudan's distinctive character. The white magnolia blooming in spring is Fudan's official flower. In March 1913, when the chill of early spring lingered, Fudan Public School had just moved from Wusong to the Li Hongzhang Ancestral Hall in Xujiahui, western Shanghai. In the courtyard stood several white magnolia trees, which teachers and students praised as the "Gentleman Among Flowers," making it the school flower. In 1947, Li Denghui formally proposed the white magnolia as Fudan's official flower.

"Eat at Tongji, Play at Fudan": Run into a Blaze of Cherry Blossoms

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

In late March each year, the boulevards on campus burst into cherry blossoms, vibrant and full of life, making it one of Shanghai's renowned cherry blossom viewing spots. "Eat at Tongji, play at Fudan" — besides the stunning scenery, Tongji's dining halls are among the best in the nation. At Siping Road Campus, Tongji has eight canteens: the immensely popular Xueyuan Canteen, the exotic Sanhaowu Restaurant, the night-owl favorite Xiyuan Canteen, Banmu Yuan Restaurant, a bakery, and more. Not only do they live up to their reputation, but the prices are also fair, allowing faculty and students to indulge in delicious meals.

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

This hotel is conveniently located near Fudan University and Tongji University, within walking distance, and adjacent to the Wujiaochang commercial hub. It features elegant décor and offers even more attractive rates in spring.

A Century of History, Meet at Shui Mu Tsinghua

Tsinghua University, also known as Tsinghua Garden, combines academic excellence with scenic beauty. Its eight famous sights include Shui Mu Tsinghua (Water and Wood Tsinghua), Lotus Pond by Moonlight, Tsinghua Xuetang, Jinchunyuan, Ziqing Pavilion, the Comprehensive Sports Center, the Diving Hall, and the Sundial.

The most celebrated spot is Shui Mu Tsinghua, where seasonal forests and hills embrace a clear expanse of water, with two exquisite ancient pavilions tucked among the greenery. The tablet inscribed with "Shui Mu Tsinghua" comes from a poem by Xie Hun of the Jin Dynasty: "Gentle winds sweep the lush gardens, white clouds gather over the hills; at dusk, birds sing together, and the water and woods gleam with purity." The Lotus Pond by Moonlight, near Jinchunyuan, is famous for Zhu Ziqing's essay "Moonlight over the Lotus Pond."

Students come from all over the country, so the canteens offer a national array of flavors. The variety is rich: traditional Chinese noodles and snacks, Western fast food, teppanyaki, rice bowls, malatang, braised meats, and more. Legendary dishes include the spicy fragrant pot at Dingxiang Garden, tongue-tingling Chongqing noodles, highly praised teppanyaki, colorful and aromatic oil-poured noodles, silky hollow noodles, and affordable, mouthwatering water-boiled fish.

By Weiming Lake, Glimpses of Yan Garden

Peking University was founded in 1898 as the Imperial University of Peking, China's first national comprehensive university. The current campus originally belonged to Yenching University; hence, it is affectionately known as "Yan Garden" and hailed as the "Harvard of China."

Someone once encapsulated PKU's beauty in four words: "One Pagoda, One Lake, One Library." The pagoda is Boya Pagoda, the lake is Weiming Lake, and the library is the new main library. Boya Pagoda, surrounded by pines and cypresses, and the shimmering Weiming Lake together form a signature scene of Yan Garden. The campus is dotted with ancient trees and many Ming and Qing dynasty buildings, offering both the tranquility unique to a university and the scholarly atmosphere of a century-old seat of learning.

When it comes to PKU's canteen food, not only the students but also many non-students from the neighborhood flock here. The selection is comprehensive and the taste is superb.

Beijing is home to many universities and numerous interesting sights. Besides Peking University and Tsinghua, there are other prestigious institutions like Renmin University of China and Communication University of China, all well worth a visit.

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

Near the subway, it offers convenient transport, with 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, Xiamen University was the first university in modern Chinese history established by an overseas Chinese.

Situated by the sea, with hills behind and water in front, the campus is shaded by green trees. Its Jiageng-style architecture—sloping roofs, red tiles, arches, columns, corridors, and grand steps—is an ingenious blend of Minnan and Western styles. Widely recognized as a garden-like campus, its famous sights include Furong Lake and Lover's Valley, exuding a romantic ambiance. The school features retro-style buildings everywhere, making Xiamen University a must-see for anyone visiting Xiamen.

Accommodation: Gefei Hotel Xiamen Siming District Xiamen University Huandao Road

Next to the millennium-old Nanputuo Temple, this hotel is less than 100 meters straight-line from Xiamen University and faces the beautiful Gulangyu Island across the sea. From the hotel, you can easily walk to Nanputuo Temple, the Huandao Road beach, Yanwu Bridge viewing platform, Shimao Cross-Strait Plaza (Twin Towers), Cat Street, Shapowei, and the Overseas Chinese Museum.

"China's Most Gentle University"

Republican-era scenery, lingering dreams of Jinling; a century of prosperity, now reborn in Xianlin. Nanjing University's Gulou Campus and Xianlin Campus offer two distinctly different ambiences. Gulou features Western-style architecture, while Xianlin exudes a modern humanistic vibe.

With 116 years of history and cultural heritage, every tree, shrub, brick, and tile is imbued with depth. The roots of Nanjing University can be traced back to the Nanjing Imperial Academy of the Three Kingdoms period, with its modern history beginning with the Sanjiang Normal School in 1902.

The campus is steeped in humanistic atmosphere. Though situated in a bustling city, NJU feels like a secluded retreat. Ivy-covered walls, Republican-era buildings, and a profound sense of history all contribute to its refined, dignified, and magnanimous character—the very reason it has been voted "China's most gentle university."

Accommodation: GreenTree Eastern Nanjing Xianlin University Town Wanda Mao Hotel

This spacious and attractive hotel features smart rooms, is close to the metro station, offers free parking and shuttle services, and is surrounded by shopping malls and dining options.

Culinary Riches at Sichuan University: A Feast You Won't Want to Leave

Sichuan University is a long-established institution formed by the merger of the original Sichuan University, Chengdu University of Science and Technology, and West China University of Medical Sciences. Its campus covers over 7,000 mu. The most famous Wangjiang Campus boasts Chinese-style heritage buildings nearly a century old as well as grand structures blending Chinese and Western elements. The campus is named Wangjiang because it adjoins Wangjiang Lou Park, so be sure to visit the park and admire the Wangjiang Tower.

Mention Sichuan, and food immediately comes to mind. SCU's culinary offerings are countless. The variety is simply staggering—whatever you can think of, you can taste here: duck neck, duck intestines, spicy crayfish, all so delicious you'll linger on.

Accommodation: Chengdu Designer Hotel Chunxi Road

This hotel is brimming with fashion-forward design and is a distinctive themed internet-famous hotel. It masterfully uses color and texture, taking the national treasure panda as its motif and employing pop art expression to blend Chinese culture with avant-garde art. With three intersecting metro lines and close proximity to several transport hubs, getting around Chengdu couldn't be easier. Ideal for family getaways and girlfriends' gatherings, it offers a terrace for afternoon tea, authentic local cuisine, and a variety of trendy room types…

China's Most Beautiful Garden-Style University

Soochow University traces its origins to Soochow University, founded in 1900 as one of China's first modern universities with a comprehensive disciplinary system. Located in the cultural ancient city of Suzhou, its European-style school buildings mingle with classic Chinese garden architecture, creating a unique charm. Noteworthy highlights include the Clock Tower, Binglin Library, and Zunshi Pavilion.

Suzhou itself is hailed as "paradise on earth," and Soochow University is a microcosm of its signature garden-style beauty. Spring sunshine, old buildings in varied styles under the afterglow, and red brick walls peeping through lush trees.

Accommodation: GreenTree Eastern Suzhou Dushuhu Yinshanhu Guoyuan Road Metro Station Hotel

This hotel sits close to Soochow University, and just as importantly, it is near other attractions. Adjacent to Suzhou's historic quarter, it borders Wuzhong downtown to the west, leans against Dushu Lake to the north, and faces the Suzhou Industrial Park Dushu Lake Higher Education Zone to the east. The mattresses and pillows in the rooms are super comfortable—reportedly pressure-relieving models that you'll want to own.

GreenTree Eastern Suzhou Industrial Park Expo Center Yangcheng Lake United Plaza Hotel

With floor-to-ceiling windows offering lake views on both sides, this hotel enjoys beautiful surroundings. It's a 5-minute drive from the Industrial Park High-Speed Railway Station and 10 minutes from the Expo Center. Multiple bus routes stop nearby, making transportation convenient, and there is a large parking lot. From the hotel, you can enjoy views of Qingjian Lake and Yangcheng Lake without stepping out! Members can also enjoy free gym access and a sumptuous nutritious buffet breakfast—truly great value!

In March, travel to Yangzhou amid blossoms; how could you miss it this spring?

Yangzhou boasts the Slender West Lake, and Yangzhou University encapsulates Yangzhou's scenic beauty, with the lake serving as its backyard. The campus buildings are steeped in antiquity, as if transporting you back to the prosperity of a thousand years ago.

Yangzhou University traces its roots to the Tongzhou Normal School and Tonghai Agricultural School founded by Zhang Jian in 1902. The century-old institution has seven campuses spread throughout Yangzhou. The most historically charming one is the Slender West Lake Campus, just a short walk from the famous Slender West Lake area through the east gate. Each campus canteen features a variety of delicacies, and the university even produces its own milk and bread.

"Travel to Yangzhou in the misty March" — there's no better time to visit.

GreenTree Inn Yangzhou Wanda Smart Hotel

This hotel neighbors Wanda Plaza, the Citizens' Square, and Yangzhou Grand Theater. It is centrally situated among renowned scenic spots, close to the 5A-rated Slender West Lake, and the World Cultural Heritage sites of Geyuan Garden, Heyuan Garden, Dongguan Street, and Daming Temple. Not only can you explore the various campuses thoroughly, but you can also enjoy sightseeing at all the major attractions.

The Beauty of Jiangnan Lies in Taihu Lake

Spring is the most beautiful season at Jiangnan University, where the campus space is imbued with rich Jiangnan water town charm—a perfect little delight of spring.

Located in Wuxi, Jiangnan University faces the misty, vast Taihu Lake to the south and leans against the Changguangxi National Wetland Park to the west, enjoying a uniquely advantageous geographical location and ecological environment.

Accommodation: Gefei Hotel Wuxi Sunac Cultural Tourism City Jiangnan University

Only 1.5 km from Jiangnan University, this hotel is surrounded by the Huahua Film Studio Base, Sunac Cultural Tourism City, Taihu Lake Expo Center, Lihu Lake, and the Three Kingdoms Film City. The design style is relaxed and elegant, some rooms feature garden balconies, and the service is impeccable!

Travelogue 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

Travel Information, Hotel Index, Guide Index, Air Ticket Index, Website Navigation, Tour Index, Cruise Index, Corporate Travel Index, Join Cooperation, Distribution Alliance, Friendly Links, Corporate Gift Card Purchase, Insurance Agent, Agent Cooperation, Hotel Franchising, Destination & Scenic Area Cooperation, More Franchise Cooperation, About Ctrip, Ctrip Highlights, Contact Us, Career Opportunities, User Agreement, Privacy Policy, Business License, Security Center, Ctrip Content Center, Intellectual Property, Trip.com Group Algorithm Announcement