China's leading science and engineering university shares the northwest's imperial-garden pedigree, occupying part of the old Qinghua Garden from which it takes its name. The campus is large, green, and walkable, with lotus ponds, the early American-influenced architecture of the original college buildings, and tree-lined avenues that fill with cyclists between classes.
Founded in 1911 with funds from the returned Boxer Indemnity, it has long been the training ground for much of China's technical and political elite. Casual visitors can usually stroll the grounds outside restricted periods; the older western section around the Grand Auditorium is the most rewarding. It sits just east of Wudaokou.