Founded in 2016, the Cornell China Center builds upon more than a century of robust engagement between Cornell University and China. The Center's establishment reflects Cornell's enduring presence in the country, exemplified by its thriving community of Chinese students and scholars and numerous successful collaborative initiatives spanning decades.
As a dynamic hub for academic and cultural exchange, the Center amplifies Cornell's global impact while pioneering innovative programs. It serves as a catalyst for meaningful dialogue and strategic partnerships between Cornell and China's leading academic and research institutions. Through these connections, the Center engages with alumni, facilitates cutting-edge research collaboration, promotes cross-cultural understanding, and contributes to solutions addressing pressing global challenges.
Weili Xu
Executive Director, Cornell China Center Beijing
The center’s vision is to build an intellectual and experiential bridge between Cornell and China, bringing together great minds to foster innovative collaborations and address the world's critical challenges.
Our mission is to support world-class research, education, collaboration, and entrepreneurship across diverse communities in Cornell and China. The center facilitates research, partnerships, teaching and learning, and alumni connections throughout China.
Our team, with a presence in both Ithaca and Beijing, is responsible for leading the Cornell China Center and fostering collaboration and opportunity across the University and its stakeholders.
How to Direct Your Inquiry:
Cornell is an institution with a powerful international dimension—and China has long been central to university endeavors.
For more than a century, Chinese students and scholars have come to Cornell University to expand their knowledge in areas important to China’s well-being and economic growth. During that same time, Cornell faculty, students and graduates learned about Chinese culture, language and history while working in China as partners in teaching, research, and outreach.
Benefits of the long, close association flow in both directions and provide the foundation for expanding collaborations in today’s world.
Alfred Sao-ke Sze, Class of 1902 and MS 1902, was the first Chinese student to graduate from Cornell. He became the first Chinese ambassador to the U.S. in 1935.
S.C. Thomas (Tommy) Sze, Cornell class of 1905, was a major force in the construction of China’s railroad system.
Cornell trustees authorize six scholarships per year for Chinese students to study at the university.
Hing Kwai Fung graduates from Cornell and applies his knowledge to modernize Chinese agriculture.
Chinese students at Cornell found the China Science Society, which moved to China in 1918.
John Lossing Buck ’14 (PhD 1933) earns a Cornell master’s degree and serves as agronomist in rural China.
Pearl S. Buck earns a Cornell master’s. The Good Earth wins her the 1932 Pulitzer and 1938 Nobel Prize.
Agriculture and Life Sciences offers dual-degree 2+2 Bachelor of Science Program for Chinese undergrads.
China Center initiative formalizes and integrates Cornell’s research, education and outreach with China.
Cornell China Advisory Board is established with seven inaugural members (later expanded).
Cornell hosts Sustainability in Asia conference for international scholars, scientists, practitioners.
The Cornell China Center (Beijing) new office in Beijing's central business district begins facilitating Cornell-China connections.
