Duke Kunshan University, a new joint venture in higher education between China and the United States, welcomed its first students on Aug 20, joining Shanghai New York University, which opened in 2012.

The university in Kunshan, Jiangsu province, was established by Duke University of Durham, North Carolina, and Wuhan University, Hubei province.

The university said it will blend liberal education with Chinese tradition in a new approach to elite higher education. It offers degree and non-degree academic programs for students from China and around the world.