Peking University

Peking University

Peking University (PKU), established in 1898 as the Imperial University of Peking, is China’s first national comprehensive university and a global leader in academia. Spanning 716 acres in Beijing’s Haidian District, its campus blends historic architecture with modern innovation, housing over 44,000 students and 3,000 faculty. Renowned for disciplines like law, literature, and science, PKU consistently ranks among Asia’s top 2 universities. Iconic landmarks include Weiming Lake, Boya Pagoda, and the red-walled "Old Library," reflecting its fusion of tradition and progress.

Historical Overview

  • Foundation: Founded during the late Qing Dynasty’s Hundred Days’ Reform, initially as the Imperial College of Peking.
  • Modern Era: Reestablished in 1912 as Peking University, becoming a hub for the May Fourth Movement (1919) and New Culture Movement.
  • Global Recognition: Joined the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) in 1997; produced 142 academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

 

Structural Layout
The campus is divided into three zones:

  1. Historic Core: Features Qing Dynasty-style buildings, the Old Library, and the June 4th Memorial Plaza.
  2. Academic Hub: Modern facilities like the School of Economics, Life Sciences Institute, and Khoo Teck Puat Hospital.
  3. Cultural & Recreational: Weiming Lake, Boya Pagoda, and the Art Museum.

 

Major Attractions

  1. Weiming Lake: A 33-hectare artificial lake, ideal for boating in summer and ice-skating in winter.
  2. Boya Pagoda: A 37-meter Tang Dynasty-style pagoda offering panoramic campus views.
  3. Old Library: A red-brick Beaux-Arts building (1922) housing rare books and the PKU Museum.
  4. June 4th Memorial: A student-led exhibit commemorating the 1989 protests.
  5. Art Museum: Displays Chinese calligraphy, paintings, and contemporary installations.

 

Suggested Itineraries

  1. Classic Route (2–3 hours):
    East Gate → Old Library → Weiming Lake → Boya Pagoda → June 4th Memorial.
    Highlight: Sunset photography at the lake.
  2. Academic Deep Dive (4–5 hours):
    School of Economics → Life Sciences Institute → Khoo Teck Puat Hospital → Art Museum.
    Add-on: Attend a public lecture (check schedules online).
  3. Comprehensive Tour (Full Day):
    Morning: Historic Core sites.
    Afternoon: Academic Hub and Cultural Zone.
    Evening: Dinner at PKU’s student canteen (¥15–30).

 

Ticket Purchase

  • Campus Access: Free entry; book guided tours via PKU’s official WeChat (up to 7 days in advance).
  • Special Passes:
    • ¥50 (2-hour guided tour with student ambassador).
    • ¥100 (4-hour academic-themed tour).
  • Discounts: Free for children under 12; 50% off for students/seniors.

 

Transportation

  • By Subway: Line 4 (Peking University East Station, Exit C), 15-minute walk to East Gate.
  • By Bus: Routes 307, 320, or 375 to Peking University South Gate.
  • Local Transport: Shared bikes (Mobike/HelloBike) for campus exploration.

 

Best Time & Tips

  • Peak Season: Apr–Jun (cherry blossoms) and Sep–Oct (autumn foliage).
  • Avoid Crowds: Early mornings (7–9 AM) for quiet lake views; weekdays quieter.
  • Essentials:
    • Bring ID for campus registration.
    • Respect academic zones: no loud noise near labs/libraries.

What Our Clients Say?

Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews

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Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s): Shanghai
Date of Experience: May 08,2024
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Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories. Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s): Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of Experience: June 02,2025
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Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic! Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale. For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return. A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s): Zhangjiajie
Date of Experience: May 08,2025
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