Centre for China Studies, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

About CCS

The Centre for China Studies (CCS) is an interdisciplinary department within the CUHK Faculty of Arts, dedicated to promoting research and teaching in modern and contemporary China in a global context.
We offer comprehensive China studies programmes at the BA, MA, MPhil and PhD levels. Our programmes are primarily taught in English.
Our Yale-China Chinese Language Academy provides language training in Cantonese and Putonghua to second/ foreign language learners and Chinese speakers.
As the only China Studies Centre in Hong Kong with its own faculty, our research and teaching are led by a diverse faculty with expertise in Chinese culture, literature, language, history, society, governance, economy, and business.

Vision

The Centre for China Studies (CCS) aspires to be a major interdisciplinary centre for innovative research and education on contemporary China in a global context, and for its Chinese Language Academy to be recognized as a world-leading Chinese language teaching centre.

Mission

To lead cross-Faculty and interdisciplinary initiatives in China Studies, reflecting “China: Tradition and Modernity” as a strategic research focus of CUHK and contribute to the mission of the Faculty of Arts.
To develop a high profile in Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, and beyond as a major research and teaching centre on contemporary China and Chinese language.
To train new generations of global China experts, with the knowledge and skills to understand China deeply and the ability to communicate effectively to a global audience.
To enhance Putonghua and Cantonese communication skills for the diversified university student population, as well as the wider local community, and to promote Chinese language and culture to the community to demonstrate the importance of being trilingual and biliterate in Hong Kong.

Following the merger with the Yale-China Chinese Language Centre in August 2024, the reconstituted and strengthened CCS offers primarily English-taught undergraduate and postgraduate programmes on contemporary China which explore the richness and complexity of China in a global context, and world-leading Chinese language education (both Putonghua and Cantonese).

Our interdisciplinary research and teaching is led by a diverse faculty with expertise in Chinese language, society, governance, culture, literature, history, economy, and business.

CCS’s programmes bring together students from Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, and the rest of the world to learn through critical inquiry and interactive discussion in and outside of class, with strong emphasis on experiential learning.

Our location in Hong Kong facilitates direct engagement with the Chinese Mainland and offers access to rich resources for China Studies.

CCS History

The Centre for China Studies (CCS) was established in 2005 as the Centre for East Asian Studies (CEAS), introducing its Bachelor of Arts in Chinese Studies the following academic year. In 2012, the Centre was reorganised and renamed the Centre for China Studies, launching its Contemporary China Studies programme in the 2013-14 academic year, which included the BA in Contemporary China Studies and BSSc in Contemporary China Studies. It became part of the Faculty of Arts in 2019 and merged with the Yale-China Chinese Language Centre in 2024, significantly expanding its scope and services.

The Centre’s leadership has included several directors: Professor Hugh Baker (2005-2007), Professor Billy So (2008-2011), Professor David Faure (2011-2020), Professor Jan Kiely (2020-2023), and Professor Carole Hoyan (2023-present).

Programmes and teaching

We offer undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Chinese Studies. These are primarily taught in English.

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Why study at CCS?

Gain the knowledge and skills to pursue successful international careers involving China.
Enjoy interactive teaching and learning.
Develop strong analytical and communication skills.
Benefit from the unique traditions, resources and innovations of CUHK, a renowned global centre for studying China.
Learn about the richness and complexity of Chinese history, economy, governance, business, culture, language, literature, and contemporary society.
Be trained in an interdisciplinary approach across humanities and social sciences.

Why Hong Kong?

Hong Kong offers an ideal environment for studying China. It is a vibrant global city where Chinese and other cultures meet, mix, and mesh.

CUHK’s Renowned Resources: Take advantage of our world-class libraries, archives, museums, and resources for studying China.
Convenient Access to China: Travel across China is easy, with Shenzhen just 20 minutes away!
Network for Success: Build an international, cross-cultural network that can enhance your career opportunities in Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, and beyond.

Our students graduate with:

High proficiency in both Chinese (Putonghua) and English
Integrated comprehension of the complexities of Chinese society
Strong analytical and communication skills
Cross-cultural networks
International outlook

We equip our students with the knowledge and skills to pursue successful international careers involving China. Click here to read more about our student feedback!

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