The former site of Sino-French University is located on Beijie Donghuangchenggen in Dongcheng District, a protected cultural heritage site at the municipal level. It was originally the French preparatory school founded by Cai Yuanpei’s initiated organization, the Work-Study Program in France, with the school located at Biyun Temple in the Western Hills. In 1925, the liberal arts department moved to its current location, and the university ceased operations in 1950.
The original Sino-French University faced east and had a Chinese-style gate, spanning five bays. The main building is a three-story structure combining Chinese and Western architectural styles, with the auditorium and other Chinese-style buildings well-preserved. After a century of changes, the university has served as a research institute, factory, and Buddhist college, with almost all buildings preserved, including their layout. The Chinese traditional-style gate conceals a school building that blends Chinese and Western styles, and the auditorium of the former Sino-French University on the north side of the courtyard is a Chinese-style building. Today, the former site of Sino-French University, after renovation, stands out in the bustling city with a unique charm. The refurbished former site of Sino-French University is now home to ‘Art 8’, an art institution operated by Shang Ba (Beijing) Cultural Group. The original auditorium within the university has been transformed into a small theater with a capacity of 120 spectators, providing a stage for the trial performances of original dramas. Art 8 frequently hosts exhibitions, which are worth visiting. Opening hours: Open all year round from Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00 to 17:00; closed all day on Mondays.Former Site of Sino-French University
The former site of Sino-French University is located on Beijie Donghuangchenggen in Dongcheng Distri[...]
