About WKU

Wenzhou-Kean University (WKU) is a province-state friendship project between the Zhejiang Province and New Jersey in the United States. It is a Chinese-American jointly established higher education institution with independent legal person status and limited liabilities. On November 16th, 2011, the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China (MOE) approved the application of preparation on establishing Wenzhou-Kean University which was cooperatively run by Wenzhou University and Kean University USA. On March 31st, 2014, the MOE announced the approval of the establishment of Wenzhou-Kean University. The University adopts such a governance structure as the Chancellor shall act as the executive officer, and serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors composed of members from both the Chinese and American parties is the highest authority of Wenzhou-Kean University.

During the preparation stage, the University received friendly concerns from the Chinese Central leaderships and enormous attention from Party committees and People’s governments at different levels. On May 8th, 2006, Mr. Xi Jinping Secretary of CPC Zhejiang Province (at that time) visited Kean University in New Jersey and delivered a keynote speech in the Signing Ceremony of cooperation in establishing Wenzhou-Kean University. The MOE regards the establishment of the University as one of the critical projects that enlarges the scope of Education Open-up while enhancing education reform in return. In July 2014, WKU was listed in the fifth round of the deliverables of China-U.S. High-level Consultation on People-to-People Exchange as the only education project in Zhejiang province. On September 23rd 2015, President Xi Jinping mentioned Wenzhou-Kean University at the third China-U.S. Governors Forum, describing the University as “making good progress.” In June 2018, the Chinese Ministry of Education and Zhejiang Province listed WKU as one of the exemplary Sino-foreign cooperative universities, supporting it to become “an internationalized and world-class university.”

Wenzhou is a central city in the Yangtze River Delta region and an important commercial hub and regional center in southeastern China's coastal area. Located in the southeastern part of Zhejiang Province, it borders the East China Sea to the east. By the end of 2023, Wenzhou's permanent population reached 9.761 million.

Historically known as "Ou" or "Dong'ou," Wenzhou was established as Yongjia Commandery in 323 AD during the Taining era. Legend has it that during the construction of the city, a white deer carrying flowers circled the city, hence the name "Deer City" (Lucheng). The name "Wenzhou" was officially adopted in 675 AD during the Shangyuan era, marking over 2,000 years of history as a city.

Wenzhou's terrain slopes from the southwest to the northeast, characterized by mountainous and hilly landscapes. Its coastline is intricate, with numerous natural harbors. The city enjoys a mid-subtropical monsoon climate, featuring abundant rainfall and high humidity.

As a nationally renowned historical and cultural city, Wenzhou is celebrated as "the land of unparalleled landscapes in southeastern China." It boasts numerous scenic attractions, including Yandang Mountain, Jiangxin Islet, Nanxi River, Tongling Mountain, Baizhangji Waterfall, Nanji Islands, and Baido Dongtou.