Tsinghua University, one of China's most renowned universities, will celebrate its 100th year later this month. During its 100-year history, the university has shaped the lives of many people who have made great contributions to China in different fields.

The more than 10,000 foreign teachers and visiting fellows have played a very important role in the university's 100 years' of development. In more ways than one, Tsinghua reflects the development of higher education in China.

Tsinghua, which started as a preparatory school for Chinese students going to study abroad, especially in the United States, has today developed into a comprehensive, research-based university. It entered a new period - of boom - after the reform and opening-up was introduced in the late 1970s.