Former Site of the Branch College of the Imperial University of Peking

Former Site of the Branch College of the Imperial University of Peking

The former site of the branch college of the Imperial University of Peking is a national key cultural relics protection unit.

The former site of the branch college of the Imperial University of Peking is located

at No. 21 Ande North Street, Dongcheng District, and is listed as part of the fifth batch of municipal-level cultural heritage protection units in Beijing.

In 1898, during the Qing Dynasty’s “Reform Movement,” educational reforms led to the establishment of the Imperial University of Peking, which functioned as both the nation's top academic institution and the administrative authority for all higher learning establishments across the country. After the founding of the Republic, the branch colleges were converted into military barracks. Today, five two-story buildings remain, among which the two main structures are built in imitation of European classical style. These brick-and-wood constructions feature exposed brick walls, exterior arcades, and finely crafted brick carvings including floral motifs and pilasters. The detailing, proportions, and decorative techniques demonstrate a high level of maturity. The architect was Japanese designer Umezawa Hideo. The buildings are well-preserved and hold significant research value for the study of modern Chinese educational development.

Source: Beijing Municipal Bureau of Cultural Relics

Further Reading:

· Fifth Batch of Municipal-Level Cultural Heritage Protection Units in Beijing

· Sixth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units