Northwest A&F University (NWAFU) was established in 1999 through merging seven teaching and scientific research institutions in Yangling, Shaanxi Province, China. The largest of these being Northwest Agricultural University, then the Northwest Forestry College, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Northwest Institute of Water Resources Science, Shaanxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shaanxi Provincial Academy of Forestry and Northwest Institute of Botany.
Yangling is known as the birthplace of Houji, God of Abundant Harvests and legend says it is there that people were taught how to grow and harvest. As the birthplace of Chinese agricultural civilisation, NWAFU has played a significant role in China’s agricultural progress. Its forte is agricultural research in arid and semi-arid areas, but its research achievements also spread to areas of agricultural biology such as wheat breeding, entomology, horticulture, food science and forestry.
NWAFU covers just under 4km² and comprises two main campuses: north and south. The Institute of Water and Soil Conservation, College of Food Science and Engineering and College of Water Resources and Architectural Engineering are located on separate campuses.
The Insect Museum contains the most extensive collection of butterflies in any Chinese university and the garden is the biggest agriculture museum in China. It attracts thousands of visitors from the Shaanxi Province and elsewhere every year.
The sports facilities at NWAFU are extensive, including 12 tennis courts, three stadiums, two outdoor pools, 48 basketball courts and 143 ping-pong tables. It holds tennis championships every year and is working to gain national recognition for its basketball and volleyball teams.
The Xiu-Shan Students Venue Centre is an important site for NWAFU and hosts many exhibitions, concerts, galas and conferences in and out of term time.
