Reputed as the “Pearl of China’s Light Industry Higher Education”, Jiangnan University is one of China’s national key “211 Project” universities, one of "985" platform universities, and functions directly under China’s Ministry of Education. Its roots may stretch back to 1902 when its predecessor, San Jiang Normal School, began its first term. More than a hundred years of development and fifty years of independent education have brought Jiangnan University recognition in scientific research, teaching quality and social service from all levels of society. It is a comprehensive university, recognized and highly respected both at home and abroad.