Guangxi Normal University: A Guide for International Students
Anne MeredithLearn Chinese in China or on Zoom and gain fluency in Chinese!
Join CLI and learn Chinese with your personal team of Mandarin teachers online or in person at the CLI Center in Guilin, China.
Guangxi Normal University (GXNU), located in the world-renowned city of Guilin, is a premier research institution and a top choice for international students in China.
With a student population of 30,000, GXNU combines academic excellence with one of the most beautiful campus settings in Asia.
Table of Contents
The History of Guangxi Normal University
Today, Guangxi Normal University (广西师范大学 Guǎngxī Shīfàn Dàxué) is a comprehensive public university featuring 21 colleges. It offers 75 undergraduate majors and awards degrees ranging from Bachelor’s to Doctorates.
Founded in 1932 during a period of significant political change, the university’s early years were marked by several relocations and name changes before settling into its current identity as a pillar of Chinese education.
Founding and Early Development
GXNU was originally established in the Yanshan district of Guilin (桂林 Guìlín) as Guangxi Provincial Teacher’s College. It holds the distinction of being one of China’s first dedicated teacher training institutions.
Between 1936 and 1953, the school underwent several mergers and relocations—including a brief move to Nanning—before regaining independence. The university was officially incorporated under its current name in 1983.
GXNU was founded in 1932 as Guangxi Provincial Teacher’s College. Image credit: GXNU.
Why the name "Normal"?
The term "Normal University" may sound unusual to modern English speakers, but it refers to the traditional normal schools intended to establish teaching standards. In China, the characters 师范大学 (shīfàn dàxué) indicate an institution with deep roots in teacher education, though they are now comprehensive research universities.
GXNU Today: Academics & Research
As a modern academic hub, GXNU is recognized for its international exchange programs and its world-class Chemistry department.
Diverse Academic Programs
Students can choose from a wide array of disciplines. To help you navigate, the colleges are grouped by focus:
| Field of Study | Colleges & Departments |
|---|---|
| Humanities & Social Sciences |
|
| Science & Engineering |
|
| Fine Arts & Physical Education |
|
Note on Language: Most degree programs are taught in Mandarin. For students looking for English-taught coursework, the GXNU-CLI study abroad program offers a specialized alternative.
GXNU is ideal for students proficient in Mandarin or those looking for deep immersion.
Research Excellence
GXNU supports an active research and intellectual culture. In 2017, its Chemistry discipline entered the global top 1% worldwide by citations according to Essential Science Indicators (ESI).
The university’s library system houses over 3.6 million physical volumes and a vast digital collection, including millions of e-books and dozens of academic databases.
GXNU also publishes two flagship academic journals: Journal of Guangxi Normal University (Natural Sciences Edition) and Journal of Guangxi Normal University (Philosophy and Social Sciences Edition).
A view inside GXNU’s newly renovated library, a modern research space supporting millions of physical and digital resources at the heart of the university’s academic life.
The Three Campuses of GXNU
To accommodate its growing student body, GXNU is spread across three distinct and picturesque campuses in the Guilin region.
1. Yucai Campus (育才校区)
Located near the famous Seven Star Park, Yucai is the primary home for international students. It sits a short 5-minute walk from the Chinese Language Institute (CLI).
Guilin’s karst mountains provide a stunning backdrop for the Yucai Campus.
2. Wangcheng Campus (王城校区)
Located in downtown Guilin, this campus is nestled inside the 14th-century Jingjiang Princes’ Palace. It is a historic site that once hosted imperial examinations during the Qing dynasty.
GXNU’s Wangcheng Campus sits within the historic Jingjiang Princes’ Palace.
3. Yanshan Campus (雁山校区)
Opened in 2007, Yanshan is the newest and largest campus. Located 40 minutes south of the city center, it houses Guangxi’s largest library and most of the domestic undergraduate student body.
Completed in 2007, Yanshan is GXNU’s third campus.
International Collaboration and Exchange
GXNU has a long-standing tradition of global partnership, beginning with historical ties to Vietnam and expanding into a network of over 200 partner institutions worldwide.
The GXNU-CLI Joint Program
For many international students, the GXNU-CLI study abroad program provides the perfect bridge.
This partnership allows students to earn official GXNU transcripts while taking a mix of intensive Chinese language classes and English-taught courses on Chinese history and culture.
The CLI Center is a five-minute walk from the Yucai Campus, providing students with the resources of a major university and the personalized support of a boutique language school.
The joint program is the best choice for students seeking English-taught coursework.
Start Your Journey at GXNU
Choosing Guangxi Normal University means choosing a life-changing experience in one of China's most iconic cities. From Confucius Institute scholarships to specialized degree programs, your path to higher education in China starts here.
Ready to take the next step?
- View application requirements on the GXNU FAQ page.
- Explore the CLI Study Abroad page.
- Start your online application today.
As the saying goes: 千里之行，始于足下 (A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step).
Make GXNU your academic home in China.
Vocabulary Related to GXNU
| Hànzì | Pīnyīn | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| 广西师范大学 | Guǎngxī Shīfàn Dàxué | Guangxi Normal University |
| 桂林 | Guìlín | Guilin |
| 广西壮族自治区 | Guǎngxī Zhuàngzú Zìzhìqū | Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region |
| 师范大学 | shīfàn dàxué | normal school; teachers' college |
| 育才校区 | Yùcái Xiàoqū | Yucai Campus |
| 王城校区 | Wángchéng Xiàoqū | Wangcheng Campus |
| 雁山校区 | Yànshān Xiàoqū | Yanshan Campus |
| 科举考试 | kējǔ kǎoshì | the imperial civil examination |
| 孔子学院 | Kǒngzǐ Xuéyuàn | Confucius Institute |
| 留学项目 | liúxué xiàngmù | study abroad program |
| 国际学生 | guójì xuéshēng | international student |
| 千里之行，始于足下 | qiānlǐ zhī xíng, shǐ yú zú xià | a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step |
Anne Meredith holds an MA in International Politics and Chinese Studies from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). As part of the graduation requirements for the program, Anne wrote and defended a 70-page Master's thesis entirely in 汉字 (hànzì; Chinese characters). Anne lives in Shanghai, China and is fluent in Chinese.
