Guangxu Emperor and the founding of University of Beijing

campus of University of Beijing today

Imperial Capital University with its banner

The former name of Beijing University before 1912 was Imperial Capital University (Chinese:京师大学堂). It was founded in 1898 during the Hundred Days' Reform by an imperial edict promulgated by Guangxu Emperor, who accepted the suggestion of opening modern universities by reform leaders Kang Youwei and Liang Qichao.

Guangxu Emperor embraced the idea of establishing a modern university as early as in 1895, right after China's defeat by Japan. However, at that time, this idea was repeatedly frustrated by conservatives led by Prince Gong. It was only when the Reform took place in 1898, did Guangxu Emperor hardened his determination in sponsoring the establishment of the Imperial Capital University. He was aware that in order to push forward the reform as well as to refresh China completely, the most fundamental measure was to establish new schools and the education system on western models, as the youth would be the future of China. Unlike the old schools, besides learning Confucian classics, new schools would also teach science and mathematics , foreign languages and basic knowledge of the western world.

After announcing the establishment of Imperial Capital University, Guangxu Emperor constantly guided the organization of the university during the 103 days, illustrating details in 15 subsequent edicts covering every sphere of the founding of the new school: its principles, its status and scale, its students and faculties, its costs and construction, its textbooks and prospects. Guangxu Emperor also appointed Liang Qichao to initiate the preamble of the university, by referring to the Japanese model; and Sun Jiading, who used to be Guangxu's tutor, was appointed the first president of the university. In order to solve the problem of the lack of textbooks, Guangxu Emperor also accepted the suggestion of opening a 'Translation House' and appointed Liang Qichao to enforce it. Later, Liang Qichao would reaffirm the indispensable role played by Guangxu Emperor in the founding of the University.

After the oppression of the Hundred Days' Reform, all the new policies were crushed. However, the Imperial Capital University was miracly kept, presumably with some efforts done by Sun Jiading. A contemporary Chinese newspaper commented that, 'Amid the total darkness in Beijing, the only beam of light left comes from the University.' Indeed, education of the young generation always represents hope, even in the darkest moments of a country's history.