Expert suggests Xiongan can open its own universities

Xiongan New Area in North China's Hebei province can establish one or more high-level universities on its own, a university expert said.

"During its construction and development, Xiongan also should improve its own innovative system, rather than only receive innovative resources from Beijing," Li Guoping, head of the Beijing Development Institute at Peking University, was quoted as saying by China Newsweek.

Xiongan New Area is about 100 kilometers southwest of Beijing. Officials announced on April 1 that it would be set up. The area's priority is to receive Beijing's "non-capital" functions, including large enterprises, financial institutions, colleges and research institutions.

Since April, many colleges and schools from Beijing have started cooperation or have showed willingness to cooperate with Xiongan.

Peking University, one of the most prestigious educational institutions in China, has visited the area and is planning to establish a first-class health center here to do related research, talent training and provide medical services.

The university's famed Guanghua School of Management will set up a training center to bolster management studies and techniques.

Renmin University of China in Beijing also has started to set up a medical college focusing on traditional Chinese medicine, while Beijing Sport University has proposed establishing a college for sports medicine and recovery in Xiongan.

Li said Xiongan can launch its own universities and bring in advanced educational resources from home and abroad.

"Based on advantages, universities in Bejing can help Xiongan's own colleges by just supporting one of its schools," Li said.

He added the level of higher education and scientific research in Hebei can thus be improved.

Contact the writer at zhangyu1@chinadaily.com.cn