Nankai High School — a school with a century’s history

Since its founding a century ago, Nankai High School has cultivated countless eminent talents and masters. Its graduates all over the world make significant contributions to the progress of human civilization.

Premier Zhou Enlai and Premier Wen Jiabao are outstanding representatives of Nankai graduates. Nankai High School, located to the west of Nankai No. 4 Road, covers an area of 31,548 square meters , with a building area of 19,178 square meters. It is the birthplace of Nankai series schools (including university, high school, primary school, and female high school).

The school was founded by famous educators Yan Fansun and Zhang Boling in October, 1904. During his study at Nankai High School from 1913-1917, Zhou Enlai made up his mind to study for the rise of China.

After the founding of Nankai University in 1919, Zhou Enlai was admitted to an arts program in the university, and announced on behalf of Zhang Boling the education reform scheme of Nankai University in December that year. Regarded by Yan Fansun as a promising talent, Zhou was awarded Fansun Scholarships and sent abroad to study in France. During his visit to Nankai High School on February 24, 1951, Zhou Enlai delivered a speech to the faculty and students, giving high praise of the management and development of the school.

A sentence written by Zhou Enlai is well-known to every Nankai person — “I love Nankai”, which reflects Zhou’s deep love and concern for his alma mater.

Wen Jiabao, former premier of the State Council, studied in Nankai High School from 19541960. After his graduation, he paid several visits to his alma mater. In 1994, at the 90th anniversary of the school, Wen Jiabao showed his deep love for his alma mater with his inscription — “May Nankai Remain Young Forever.” Thanks to the edification of Nankai humanistic spirits, countless graduates of Nankai schools have become pillars of their motherland.

According to statistical data in 2012, in addition to Premier Zhou Enlai and Premier Wen Jiabao, outstanding graduates of Nankai schools also include 9 vice chairmen of the Standing Committee of National People’s Congress and the CPPCC, over 40 leaders at the provincial or ministerial level, and more than 60 famous scientists. Nankai High School, a success in the education history of China, enjoys a high reputation all over the world.