Westward Relocation Spirit - Core: Patriotism; Quintessence: Follow the instructions and guidance of the Party, breathe the same air and share a common destiny with the Party, the country and the people.
1896
Nanyang Mission College was founded, marking its pursuit of building a stronger nation through education.
Sheng Xuanhuai, a renowned modern industrialist and educator, founded the Nanyang Mission College in Shanghai in 1896, guided by the conviction of "promoting education for talent development to realize the nation's rejuvenation".
1921
The university was officially named Chiao Tung University, upholding the mission of saving the nation by developing industry.
In 1921, Ye Gongchuo spearheaded the integration of four schools under the Ministry of Transportation into Chiao Tung University, laying the foundation for its modern university system.
1956
Following the central government's decision, the main body of Chiao Tung University was relocated to Xi'an.
In the 1950s, more than 6,000 teachers and students relocated to Xi'an in batches. On Sept 10, 1956, the first opening ceremony following the relocation was held at Xi'an People's Hotel.
1959
Officially named Xi'an Jiaotong University in 1959, the institution embarked on a new chapter.
The Xi'an division of Chiao Tung University was officially designated as Xi'an Jiaotong University in 1959. It was listed among China's 16 key national universities, securing its position as the only major comprehensive university in Northwest China.</b>
2000
Three universities were integrated as one, striving for excellence with combined strength.
Xi'an Medical University and Shaanxi Finance and Economics College were integrated into XJTU in 2000, positioning the newly enlarged university at the forefront of higher education in Northwest China.
2007
Leading the way, advancing with vigor.
XJTU was rated an Outstanding Institution in Undergraduate Education in the Ministry of Education's 2007 National Assessment of Undergraduate Teaching Quality. It excelled in all previous undergraduate education and teaching assessments.
2015
XJTU initiated the establishment of UASR to pursue international cooperation.
In 2015, XJTU initiated the establishment of the University Alliance of the Silk
Road, which now comprises 207 universities from 45 countries and regions and
has fostered diverse collaborative initiatives.
2016
The 120-year-old XJTU embarked on a new journey at iHarbor.
Since 2016, XJTU has embarked on a new journey at the Western China Science and Technology Innovation Harbor, aka iHarbor. The construction of the Phase I municipal infrastructure project marked the full launch of the development of iHarbor.
2017
Listed among top-class universities and academic disciplines.
In 2017, the university was included in the national list of developing top-class universities into world-class ones (Category A). In 2022, it was again selected for the Double World-Class Initiative with its eight disciplines on the list.
2019
iHarbor was officially inaugurated as a gateway to the future. Western China Science and Technology Innovation Harbor, or iHarbor - a national strategic platform jointly built by the Ministry of Education and Shaanxi province and co-developed by XJTU and the local government - was officially inaugurated in September 2019. At iHarbor, XJTU has established eight platforms housing 30 research institutes and over 400 research bases and think tanks across four fields: science, engineering, medicine and humanities.
2020
With earnest expectations from top Chinese leader, XJTU members keep forging ahead with patriotism and tireless struggle.
In April 2020, the top Chinese leader visited the Jiaotong University Westward Relocation Museum. He emphasized that the core of the Western Relocation Spirit is patriotism, and that its quintessence is following the instructions and guidance of the Party, breathing the same air and sharing a common destiny with the Party, the country and the people. He highlighted its immediate importance and profound historical significance. In September 2021, the Westward Relocation Spirit was included in the long line of inspiring principles for the Chinese Communist Party.
2021
XJTU intensified efforts in industry-education integration and collaborative talent cultivation.
In 2021, the university launched the "6352" Industry-Education Integration Innovation Project and a new model featuring "one center, one incubator, two chains and one shared platform (1121)" to explore closer collaboration between industries, universities and research institutes. Functioning as the showcase for the development of the QinChuangYuan Platform, iHarbor has made significant progress in building a pilot zone for the integrated reform of education, science and technology, and human resources.
2025
XJTU stays rooted in western China, while seeking new opportunities through international cooperation.
In 2025, XJTU undertook the mission of building the China-SCO Higher Education Cooperation Center. Serving as the SCO University President's Office of the Chinese side, XJTU led the establishment of the SCO Digital Education Alliance. Through implementation of its Global Development Action Plan 2030, XJTU has set up a number of overseas centers, built the China-Central Asia Center Sci-Tech Innovation Park and advanced industry-education integration among countries and regions involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.
2026
The eternal flame of learning has remained alight for 130 years, and XJTU has maintained its vigor across seven decades.
This year marks XJTU's 130th anniversary and the 70th anniversary of its Westward Relocation. XJTU remains committed to its mission of "taking root in China's west, giving service to the country, and striving to be world-class". XJTU members will continue to bear in mind the country's most fundamental interests, carry forward the Westward Relocation Spirit, bravely undertake national missions and jointly strive for new and greater achievements.
