Founded as a teacher training school in 1908, Hangzhou Normal University has a history of over 100 years, which has bestowed the institution with a glorious tradition of producing first-rate teachers and educators at different levels for the whole Chinese nation. Through a century’s development, the University has now become a comprehensive institution of higher education with a full spectrum of disciplines, covering such areas as arts and sciences, humanities, education, music, engineering, information technology, business, law, medicine and nursing.

In 1978, Hangzhou Teachers College was formed on the basis of Hangzhou Normal School. At the turn of the 21st century, multiple institutions were successively combined with Hangzhou Teachers College. 2007 marked the birth of the new Hangzhou Teachers College, officially today’s Hangzhou Normal University.  

The journey was full of challenges, but we persevered. Along the way, we at Hangzhou Normal University, one generation after another, have united around our motto “Diligence, Caution, Integrity and Empathy, Broadness, Refinement, Thoroughness and Enterprise” to preach and practice teaching and learning as we moved with the times in an open and inclusive way while staying true to our shared vision.

Since its 100^th anniversary in 2008, HZNU has been pursuing a brand-new strategy of making itself a first-class university. A defining moment came when HZNU, which is now among China’s top 100, was put on Zhejiang’s agenda for key universities in 2017.

With 19 schools, 1 public teaching units and 1 affiliated hospital, Hangzhou Normal University has Cangqian, Xiasha and Yuhuangshan campuses, covering a total area of about 240 hectares, with a total construction area of 2.4 million square meters. It has nearly 2200 staff members and 1500 full-time teachers,and more than 22,000 full-time students, including more than 17,000 undergraduates, over 2,700 graduate students, and about 2,000 international students.

Represented by 1 full time and 4 shared academicians from Chinese Academy of Sciences and Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, 10 academics participating in the national “Thousand Talents Plan”, 5 Chang Jiang Scholars and 7 Distinguished Young Scholars, the University glitters with a galaxy of high-level scholars and scientists who are widely acknowledged provincially and nationally.

With its hard work, HZNU has been gaining strength and showing great advancement. Its four pillar disciplines are enabling the development of its emerging disciplines. With 4 of its disciplines in the top 1% of international ESI disciplines, the University is now among China’s top 100 by ESI ranking and has secured a leading position among its provincial peers when it comes to the overall strength of disciplines.

HZNU keeps a close eye on the Belt and Road Initiative and follows closely what is going on globally. The University, which is among the first to be accredited by CEAIE for international student education,co-runs a Confucius Institute in partnership with Middle Tennessee State University in the United States.Friendly ties have been established with over 70 renowned universities around the world, confirming its belief that openness and inclusiveness should be the tone for international exchanges.

Time Line and Celebrities in the Development of Hangzhou Normal University

·         1908 Zhejiang Duel-Level Normal School

·         1912 Zhejiang Provincial Duel-Level Normal School

·         1913 No.1 Normal School of Zhejiang Province

·         1923 High School and Normal School Emerged

·         1931 Zhejiang Provincial Hangzhou Normal School

·         1938 Interim Allied Normal School of Zhejiang Province

·         1939 Zhejiang Provincial Allied Normal School

·         1946 Zhejiang Provincial Hangzhou Normal School

·         1956 Hangzhou Normal School of Zhejiang Province

·         1978 Hangzhou Teachers College

·         2000 Six Colleges/Institutes merged into Hangzhou Teachers College

·         2007 Hangzhou Normal University