Imperial University of Peking founded under the Qing

Background. Following China's defeat in the Sino-Japanese War, intellectuals including Kang Youwei, Liang Qichao, and Yan Fu called for reforms to the country's education system. In June 1896, Minister Li Duanfen proposed to create a university in the capital. This proposal laid the groundwork for the establishment of the Imperial University of Peking, which would become a key institution during the late Qing reform era.

Founding. On 11 June 1898, the Guangxu Emperor, as part of the Hundred Days' Reform, authorised the creation of the Imperial University of Peking. The institution was formally established on 3 July 1898 when the emperor approved the royal charter written by Liang Qichao. This event marked the beginning of the university's history, which later saw name changes following the Xinhai Revolution.

Legacy. The Imperial University of Peking is the second-oldest university in China after Tianjin University. In May 1912, the government of the Republic of China ordered the Imperial University of Peking to be renamed Peking University. The legacy row's reference to 'Peking Normal University Hall' is incorrect; the passages support the name 'Imperial University of Peking' or 'Capital Grand Study Hall'.