Northwest Normal University

Northwest Normal University (NWNU), located in Lanzhou, Gansu Province, is a key university jointly established by the Gansu Provincial Government and the Ministry of Education. It is part of the National Basic Capacity Building Project for Universities in Central and Western China and the Excellent Teacher Training Program, and it receives Chinese Government Scholarship students.

Tracing its roots to the Normal School of Imperial University of Peking in 1902, NWNU pioneered modern higher teacher education in China. It became independent as National Northwest Normal College in 1939 and moved to Lanzhou in 1941, becoming a cornerstone of teacher education in western China.

NWNU's core strength lies in teacher education, with renowned programs in Education, Psychology, and Chinese Language and Literature. It offers 12 first-level doctoral degree programs, 4 professional doctoral programs, and 28 first-level master's programs, forming a complete degree system.

As a member of the Excellent Teacher Training Program, the university excels in cultivating future educators, with graduates highly sought after in basic education. It is also part of the Discipline Innovation and Talent Introduction Program, fostering interdisciplinary research.

With 2,733 faculty and staff, including national teaching masters and academic leaders, NWNU emphasizes a balance of theory and practice. The curriculum features the Excellent Teacher Training Program, integrating teaching skills with research capabilities.

Research platforms include the Discipline Innovation and Talent Introduction Program base, the Chinese Language Education Base of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office, and the recently established University Science and Technology Park (2026), providing an industry-academia-research ecosystem.

The 101-hectare campus sits along the Yellow River in Lanzhou, featuring a scenic environment and modern facilities. The library is well-stocked, and there are state-of-the-art labs, sports venues, and student activity centers.

Dormitories are equipped with air conditioning and internet, and cafeterias offer diverse cuisines. The new University Science and Technology Park in Lanzhou New Area (2026) provides incubation space for innovation. With green spaces and a vibrant cultural atmosphere, the campus hosts international festivals and academic lectures, fostering an inclusive global community.