Recently, ninety-eight sites were inscribed into the first edition of the 20th-Century Chinese Architectural Heritage List, which was announced by the Chinese Society of Cultural Relics and the Architectural Society of China. The old site of Peiyang University (the former Tianjin University) and the main building of Tianjin University were included, among renowned landmark architecture of China on the list, like the Great Hall of the People and the Bund in Shanghai.
The South Building, North Building, Mission City and the gate of Peiyang University's old site still exist today. Currently the South Building covers an area of 2,336 square meters, the North Building covers an area of 2,315 square meters, and Mission City, Peiyang University’s office building, covers an area of 939.42 square meters.
The main building of Tianjin University, the building no.9, shows a clear Chinese architectural style, not only bearing the great developmental changes of Tianjin University since the establishment of New China, but also becoming a cultural symbol of Tianjin University. Built in 1953, it remains intact and stands tall even withstanding the Tangshan earthquake，the most devastating earthquake in China in 1978. Many famous films and television works have been shot here because of its unique architectural style and time-honored history.
There is a special story about the building, namely when former chairman Mao Zedong visited Tianjin University in 1958, he waved and greeted over ten thousands students and teachers standing in front of the building. It has historical memorial significance.
Tianjin University has passed through 121 years and the school site has altered for several times. In 1951, Peiyang University was officially named Tianjin University, with the building no.9 as its main building till now. Many people think the reason why it has stood tall and kept solid for over sixty years was because it may be built with very expensive materials. However, in fact, it was built with layers of cement. There is also another story about it: it’s said that the construction requirements then were extremely rigorous. For instance, the sand used to make concrete could not have any little impurity, or need re-cleaning. Therefore the construction quality was ensured. This is the spirit of Tianjin University: precise in learning, and strict in teaching.
