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Aerial shot of XJTLU campus

Celebrating 20 years of XJTLU

A bold collaborative venture between two universities.

20
years of XJTLU
17,361
students have graduated from the 2+2 programme
2016
first cohort of Year in China students at XJTLU

Our XJTLU partnership

Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) is an international university formed in partnership between the University of Liverpool and Xi’an Jiaotong University (XJTU) in China. The year 2026 will mark its 20th anniversary and here we take a look back at XJTLU's history.

Modern building on the XJTLU campus

The beginnings

We have been working with XJTU, one of China's oldest and most prestigious universities, for over 40 years. It is firmly established as a research intensive university across a range of disciplines, and provides programmes across undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Our early work together laid the foundations for the creation of XJTLU.

The collaboration between the University of Liverpool and XJTU is truly unique, starting as far back as 1980.

Explore the partnership timeline:

1980 - Professor Michael Fang is invited to spend three weeks at Xi'an Jiaotong University.

1980s - The Chinese government initiates a programme to modernise and internationalise its universities.

1983 - Professor Fang begins to visit XJTU each year, encouraging many Chinese staff to visit Liverpool.

2000 - The Chinese ceremonial archway is constructed in Chinatown, Liverpool, marking the twinning of Shanghai and Liverpool.

2003 - First talks on co-operation between University of Liverpool and Xi'an Jiaotong University.

2006 - XJTLU is officially approved and opens, with Professor Fang as Executive Vice President.

Aerial shot of the Taicang campus showing the circular buildings

2008 - The first cohort of students transfer to Liverpool from XJTLU.

2010 - First students graduate from XJTLU. Read the news story from 2010.

2015 - XJTLU student numbers reach 10,000.

2016 - XJTLU celebrates its 10th anniversary.

2016 - The first cohort of Year in China students spend a year at XJTLU, providing the opportunity for Liverpool students to spend a year studying at XJTLU.

2022 – XJTLU Entrepreneur College opens in Taicang.

2024 – The University of Liverpool welcomes the first cohort of students on the Taicang 2+1+1 programme, students spend three years at XJTLU and one year in Liverpool.

2025 – Over 15,000 students have graduated from the 2+2 programme where students spend two years at XJTLU and two years in Liverpool.

XJTLU campus buildings

First graduation at XJTLU

In August 2010 we celebrated the success of the first students to graduate from XJTLU.

Professor Youmin Xi lighting the candles on a birthday cake to celebrate 10th annniversary of XJTLU

10th anniversary of XJTLU

During 2016 we marked the 10th anniversary of XJTLU with a host of celebrations.

Study at XJTLU

XJTLU provides exciting study options to students in China and Liverpool. Find the option for you.

Yixuan Zao, XJTLU student

I developed strong abilities in communication and empathy. I learned to adjust my perspective and understand how people from different cultural backgrounds think and express themselves.

Yixuan Zhao 2+2 programme, Urban Planning BA class of 2021