📖 About the university

Xi'an Academy of Fine Arts is a public art academy in the Yanta district of Xi'an, Shaanxi province, and is the only dedicated higher fine arts academy in northwest China. Its origins trace to 1948-49, when the Second Division of the Northwest People's Art College relocated from Linfen, Shanxi, to Xi'an and was reorganised as the art college of the Northwest Military and Political University; after passing through several successive names, it was formally established as Xi'an Academy of Fine Arts in May 1960, though it briefly merged with the Xi'an Conservatory of Music in 1967 to form the Shaanxi Provincial Art College before being restored as an independent academy in 1980. The academy moved entirely to its current Yanta district campus in 1994 and today offers 27 undergraduate majors across 15 teaching departments, including Chinese painting, oil painting, printmaking, sculpture, public art, design, architectural and environmental art, fashion, experimental art, art history, and film and television animation. As one of China's eight major regional fine arts academies, it plays a leading role in art education across the northwest and has produced many notable Chinese painters, sculptors, and designers over more than seven decades. The academy maintains around 50 specialised studio and research spaces supporting practical training across its disciplines, alongside its affiliated secondary art school. International applicants interested in studying Chinese fine arts, calligraphy, or design can find information on admission through the academy's official channels, though its programmes are primarily oriented toward domestic students and Chinese-language instruction.

🎯 Fields of study

🏛️ Colleges & schools

🌆 About Xi'an

Xi'an is the capital of Shaanxi province and one of the world's greatest ancient cities, serving as the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and capital to numerous Chinese dynasties. With a metropolitan population of around 13 million, it remains encircled by a complete medieval city wall that is among the best preserved in China. The climate is temperate, with hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters. Its landmarks are extraordinary, above all the Terracotta Army on the outskirts, along with the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the Bell Tower, and the ancient wall itself. Xi'an also has a large Hui Muslim community centered on the lively Muslim Quarter, where halal food and mosques are abundant, making it especially welcoming for Arab and Muslim students. Local specialities include roujiamo, hand-ripped biangbiang noodles, and yangrou paomo lamb soup. A growing metro, Xianyang International Airport, and high-speed rail connect it to Beijing, Chengdu, and Lanzhou. For an international student, Xi'an blends deep history, affordable living, strong universities, and one of the most halal-friendly environments in China.

💰 Fees & costs

💡 General estimates for international students in China; they vary by major and university, and the official figure is always on the university website.

🛂 Visa requirements by nationality

These are the general steps for the China student visa (X1/X2); details vary by the Chinese embassy in your country.