Renmin University of China

中国人民大学

Renmin University of China is a comprehensive national key university focusing on humanities and social sciences. It is directly under the Ministry of Education and jointly established by the Ministry of Education and Beijing. The predecessor of the university was the Shaanxi-Northern Public School, which was founded in the flames of the Anti-Japanese War in 1937, and later the North China United University and North China University. On December 16, 1949, the 11th State Council of the Central People's Government adopted the "Decision on the Establishment of Renmin University of China" based on the suggestion of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee. On October 3, 1950, Renmin University of China, which was established by merging with North China University, held a grand opening ceremony and became the first new regular university founded in New China.

Introduction

  • Attraction Location: "No. 59 Zhongguancun Street, Haidian District, Beijing, China (北京市海淀区中关村大街59号)"

  • History: Renmin University of China (RUC) was established in 1937 as the Shanbei Public School and later became a comprehensive university focusing on humanities and social sciences. It has a rich academic heritage and is known as one of China’s top universities for law, economics, and political science.
  • Architecture: The campus combines traditional Chinese elements with modern educational buildings. There are lush gardens, courtyards, and a mix of red brick and concrete structures. Key landmarks include the RUC Library, lecture halls, and the university’s main gate.
  • Cultural Value: RUC is a hub of intellectual activity in China and represents the modern development of Chinese higher education. The campus reflects the blend of Chinese tradition with contemporary academic culture and is an important cultural landmark in Beijing’s Haidian District.
  • Other Information: The campus often hosts public lectures, exhibitions, and cultural events. Visitors can enjoy walking tours and admire the landscaping and architecture, particularly in spring when the campus gardens are in full bloom.

Visiting Information

  • Opening Hours: "08:00 – 17:00 daily"

  • Ticket Price: "Free for campus visit; guided tours may require 50–100 CNY per person"

  • Best Photo Spots: "Main Gate of Renmin University (人大正门)
    University Library and Courtyards
    Campus gardens and tree-lined walkways"

  • Time Reference: "1–2 hours for casual campus walk; 2–3 hours if including museum/exhibition visits inside the campus"

Where to Sleep (Nearby Hotels & Stays)

  • Luxury: "Hilton Beijing Wangfujing (北京王府井希尔顿酒店)
    Park Hyatt Beijing (北京柏悦酒店)"
  • Mid-range: "Holiday Inn Express Beijing Zhongguancun (北京中关村智选假日酒店)
    Courtyard by Marriott Beijing Haidian (北京海淀万怡酒店)"
  • Budget & Boutique: "Beijing 161 Hotel (北京161连锁酒店)
    Local boutique hostels around Zhongguancun area"

What & Where to Eat

  • Must-Try Dishes: "Jiaozi – Chinese dumplings (饺子)
    Peking Duck (北京烤鸭)
    Zha Jiang Mian – Soybean paste noodles (炸酱面)"
  • Famous Spots: "Da Dong Roast Duck Restaurant (大董烤鸭店) – 15 min taxi
    Local eateries in Zhongguancun Science Park (中关村美食街) – 5–10 min walk"

What Souvenirs to Buy

  • University-themed merchandise (mugs, T-shirts, notebooks), academic books, postcards of the campus, and local Beijing snacks from nearby shops.

Transportation

  • Subway: Line 4 → Renmin University Station (人大站), then walk 5 minutes
  • Bus: Lines 320, 332, 386 → Renmin University Stop (人大站)
  • Taxi/Ride-hailing: Direct from Beijing city center (~20–30 minutes)

Nearby Attractions

  • Zhongguancun Electronics Market (中关村电子市场) – 1.2 km, walk or short taxi ride
  • Peking University (北京大学) – 1.8 km, taxi or 20 min walk
  • Tsinghua University (清华大学) – 1.9 km, taxi or 25 min walk

Tips for Visitors

  • Campus is open to the public but follow university rules and respect students and faculty.
  • Visit during spring or autumn for best scenery.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the campus.
  • Check if any university events or exams are ongoing, as certain areas may be restricted.
  • Photography is generally allowed in outdoor areas; ask permission before entering any restricted buildings.

Recommended Itineraries

  • Route 1 (University and Culture Walk):
    D1: Renmin University → Peking University → Tsinghua University → Zhongguancun Electronics Market
    Transportation: Walk or short taxi rides between attractions
  • Route 2 (Campus & Science District):
    D1: Renmin University → Zhongguancun Science Park → National Library of China (国家图书馆) – 2 km
    Transportation: Walk or taxi
  • Route 3 (Historical and Educational Tour):
    D1: Renmin University → Beijing Zoo (北京动物园) – 5 km → Summer Palace (颐和园) – 8 km
    Transportation: Taxi or ride-hailing

User Reviews

By Speechless |

The North Campus of Renmin University of China is located at No. 59 Zhongguancun Street, Haidian District, Beijing. The university was developed from the Shaanxi Public School established in 1937, and later the North China United University and North China University. It is a comprehensive research-oriented national key university with a focus on humanities and social sciences. It is known as the cradle of "builders of the People's Republic" and a major center of higher education in humanities and social sciences.

By Victor Sweet Dumpling |

Renmin University of China is still very beautiful in the spring flower season

By Mu Zixi |

This is my beautiful and shy dream! I hope I can study for a master's degree here in the future!

By Li Yunxi |

Seeing that the security guard at the gate had no intention of stopping us, we rode straight into the campus. Since the school had not started yet and it was the weekend, the campus was very quiet. The dew-covered grass sparkled in the sun, and the birds chirped non-stop on the treetops. In such an environment, even the most troubled hearts would calm down. We rode and stopped on the campus, enjoying this rare leisure and relaxation. With a pilgrimage-like mentality, I quietly walked through the auditorium of Renmin University, the stadium of Renmin University, the library, and the cafeteria. I looked at the young people jogging on the track in the morning and felt that they were comparable to Liu Xiang in my heart. I walked through the simple and even somewhat shabby staff dormitories and felt that every window seemed to project a holy light. Who knows, perhaps one of the rooms is occupied by a great scholar and master of China today.

By Tyler Dong |

I went to Renmin University because it was my teacher's alma mater. I was very curious. Peking University's limelight was completely stolen by Tsinghua University and Peking University (the number of tourists is also limited), so Renmin University is really buried. Overall, it is very good, completely different from Tsinghua University and Peking University. It is very quiet, and there is no need to worry about the opening hours. The campus environment is good and the buildings are compatible with both East and West. It should be great to sit on the campus with a book and read it. I personally recommend Yishaoquan, Baijialang and various teaching buildings.

By 小賈 |

在人大交換了一年,來這裡的朋友可以先去人大的西門參觀與拍照,進來參觀是免費的,不用裡門口說收費代以進去的人,那些都是騙子。有時間可以往裡面走,去人大的世紀館看看(我們學生都覺得那棟建築長的很像棺材,哈哈),世紀館旁邊的一杓池只有貴賓來的時候才會噴泉,平常才旁邊野餐也挺適合的,另外教學一樓旁邊有很大的草原,六日很多爸媽都帶著小孩來這邊玩,很適合家庭周末出遊的選擇!

By Yanjun |

Renmin University is generally quite large, and the food in the cafeteria is delicious and very affordable. There are many students, including students in post-graduation training courses. I like their Century Hall very much.

By Dudu fish 🐠 |

Spring spews out three rivers of water and a pond of peace

People who yearn for

By Crunchy |

Renmin University is really a campus with a strong academic atmosphere~

By Arthas~ |

Renmin University of China (RUC), referred to as "Renmin University", is located in Beijing, and has two campuses in Suzhou and Shenzhen respectively. The university is affiliated to the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China and is listed in the "211 Project", "985 Project" and "111 Project".

By Grass and wheat fields |

Very beautiful campus, beautiful environment, stayed there for two days, but unfortunately I didn't have time to walk around

By Dream |

It can't be compared with Peking University and Tsinghua University, and the school seems a bit small, but it has a good background, which is the key point.

By Strolling in the sun |

Renmin University, the third most famous university in Beijing, has a big stone with the words "Football is a treasure" engraved on it at the entrance, telling us that this is a university founded by the Communist Party of China, with a good foundation. The campus is beautiful, the architecture is very distinctive, and President Ji Baocheng has made great contributions. There are also many beautiful girls and handsome guys, haha

By Before seeing |

My memory of Renmin University seems to have originated from my indissoluble bond with Renmin University. It was winter one year, I had just entered university, and I came to Beijing to visit my classmates for the first time. I still remember that it was early December, and the coldness of Beijing had begun to hit faintly. The bleak fallen leaves on the ground also told me, classmates, it is winter here. I don’t know if it is the coldness in my heart or the coldness of the season that makes me remember the road to Renmin University so vividly. There is a road from the dormitory door that leads directly to the gate of the East Gate. I walked for a long time with my backpack on my back, kicking the fallen leaves on the ground, and silently said goodbye to a relationship in my heart. Renmin University also became a witness to my farewell.

By Einstein |

People's University. There is a subway station and the transportation is very convenient.

By poor |

The campus of Renmin University is quite good. The cafeteria is just average and the teaching is just so-so. I guess it's the same in all schools across the country. It's okay to visit.

By New Travel Presentation❤️ |

As described by Sheng Li, Su Ran’s university life is so touching.

By Listen to the wind sing |

It is not far from the surrounding Zhongguancun, Beijing Institute of Technology, Tsinghua University and Peking University.

By Sun Wukong lost his golden cudgel |

Unlike Peking University, where you have to register to enter, there are not so many people and it is quite quiet. The school really has a humanistic atmosphere, with green trees and plants such as creepers making the school buildings look more vicissitudes of life.