The center’s staff members come from higher learning institutions inside and out of China , including BFSU, as well as research organizations. Their work covers the full spectrum of sinology, delving into the strategic issues of Chinese culture’s global development and studying its spread and influence abroad. The center also monitors the international study of Chinese culture, keeps track of ancient Chinese records and documents that have been taken out of the country, and studies the various translated versions of Chinese classics. Dedicated to tracing the development of sinology overseas through research into illustrious foreign-based sinologists and their works, the center offers a glimpse on how different countries developed their current perceptions of China . Such retrospective research can help plot an appropriate path for Chinese culture to “go global.”

1.Faculty

2.Fields of Research

The center focuses on three fields – the global development strategy of Chinese culture, the international study of Chinese culture and China ’s global image.

3.Academic Achievements

1) Major Research Projects

A. Dynamic Database of Chinese Culture’s Dissemination Abroad

Financed by the National Social Science Fund, the project is designed to collect and analyze the spread of Chinese culture overseas, the project sums up the path, rules, experiences and methods of the global proliferation of Chinese culture. It is expected to provide data support and consultation for the state in its formulation of cultural development strategies and its efforts to promote Chinese culture abroad.

B. Study of the dissemination and influence of classics of ancient Chinese culture in the 20^th century

This is a key project looking into philosophy and social sciences, sponsored by the Ministry of Education.

C. Collection and sorting of Vatican Library archives on cultural exchanges between China and the West dated to the Ming and Qing dynasties

Containing the earliest records of the relationship between China and the West, these archives offer a detailed picture of first contact between Chinese and European cultures and the start of the interlocution of the two ideologies. It is sponsored by the National Committee for the Compilation of Qing History.

D. Early Chinese teaching in Russia

The project chronicles major events in the early history of Chinese teaching in Russia , with annotations and evaluations of them, offering fresh reference for those who study Chinese teaching in the global background. It is funded by the Ministry of Education.

E. The first American students in Beijing

This philosophy and social science project funded by the municipal government of Beijing investigates the Americans who studied sinology in Beijing from 1929 to 1949 and who later became the first generation of sinologists in the U.S. , laying the foundation of the discipline in their home country.

F. Comparative research of modern English language newspapers in Beijing

The study covers five English-language newspapers founded by citizens of five different countries and explores their role in and various perspectives of the cultural exchanges between China and the West. Sponsored by the municipal government of Beijing.

2) Works and Translations (See Academic Publications)

4. Academic Exchanges and Cooperation

The center has cooperative ties with dozens of organizations at home and abroad. Activities involved in these relationships include hosting seminars and visits from Chinese and foreign scholars, attending international conferences and visiting foreign establishments.

Since its establishment the center has maintained close ties with 33 universities and research institutes in countries and regions such as the U.S. , the UK , France , Italy , Vatican , Switzerland , Russia , Japan , South Korea , Singapore , Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan .

5. Academic Publications

In partnership with several publishers that cherish academic ideals, the center publishes the periodicals International Sinology and History of International Chinese Teaching as well as academic books, which provide researchers a platform for exchange and to further progress in their fields.

International Sinology:

Founded in 1995, International Sinology is the first journal in China about the international study of Chinese culture and has published 23 issues so far. Prominent academic Ren Jiyu was its editor-in-chief for more than a decade before the center’s chief Zhang Xiping took the position over in 2008. Its columns include Opinions, Interviews, Early Sinology Study in the West, Sinology Study by County, Traditional Chinese Learning and Sinology, Chinese Culture Abroad, World History of Chinese Learning, Book Review, Sinology Institutions and Movements and etc.

6. Teaching

The center accepts applications from master’s degree, doctorate and post doctorate students all the year round.