Now and then: Incredible pictures show a Chinese university’s first female students and their counterparts 90 years later 

  • The Shanghai Jiao Tong University recently released the stunning images 
  • In 1927 it became one of the first universities in China to open to women
  • They're created to celebrate the establishment's 120th anniversary in April
  • For more of the latest news from China visit www.dailymail.co.uk/china

By Chloe Lyme For Mailonline

Published: | Updated:

A Chinese university has released a set of historic pictures to mark the 120th anniversary of its founding next month.

On March 9, Shanghai Jiao Tong University shared black and white images of students from the past with colourful images of students from the present, posing in various places around the campus, reported the People’s Daily Online.

It was established in 1896 and was among the first university’s to open to women in 1927. Since then, it has become one of China’s most prestigious schools.

Taken in 1931, this picture shows some of the female students at the university
Today, a group of female students gather to recreate scenes from the past
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Historic: The Shanghai Jiao Tong University recently released modern-day comparison images of its students

Powerful: The Shanghai Jiaotong University was one of the first in China to allow women to study in 1927
Today, it's one of the most prestigious universities in China
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Powerful: The Shanghai Jiao Tong University was one of the first in China to allow women to study in 1927

Girl power: This iconic images shows the first female students to graduate from the campus in 1931
Two students from today sit in the same spot studying on the university campus
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Girl power: This iconic images shows the first female students to graduate from the campus in 1931 studying

The images were recently released onto the university’s official social media page ahead of the official anniversary celebrations. 

Officials at the Shanghai campus commissioned the set of photographs, recreating scenes of the past, to mark the 120th anniversary on April 8 this year. 

They show young men and women currently studying at Shanghai Jiao Tong University in a number of poses around the campus.

Alongside the modern images are rare black and white photos of students from when the university was first founded and in the years since.

One of the most iconic images in the set is a black and white picture taken in 1931 of the first female graduates of the Shanghai Jiao Tong University, signifying the new opportunities for women in China at that time.

These young females students stand proud next to a building on campus influenced by American architecture

These young females students stand proud next to a building on campus influenced by American architecture

Not much change: Male and female students happily walk out of the campus gates holding their books
The university remains the same 120 years later, only the people have changed
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Not much change: Male and female students happily walk out of the campus gates holding their books 

Iconic: Pictures where taken in the exact same place as old images to mark the university's 120th anniversary

Iconic: Pictures where taken in the exact same place as old images to mark the university's 120th anniversary

Throughout the years, the university has had a number of inspirational students as its alumni.

These included important political figures such as Jiang Zemin, who served as President of the People's Republic of China from 1993 to 2003.

There were also world renowned sports professionals, like basketball player Yao Ming who starred in the National Basketball Association in North America.

The old campus is located in the Xujiahui area of Shanghai.

Most of the historic buildings there are deeply influenced by American architecture, with the oldest building on campus built in 1898. Many of the other buildings were not built until the 1920s. 

Old black and white photos of students were placed around the university to show the change over the years

Old black and white photos of students were placed around the university to show the change over the years

Still standing: Some of the historic buildings were built in the 1920s, the images show they haven't changed

Little change: Men pose proudly then and now in the exact same pose wearing the university's baseball kit
The university's baseball uniform had been modernised with a bit of colour over the years
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Little change: Men pose proudly then and now in the exact same pose wearing the university's baseball kit

Rocking the mullet: Young male students in 1909 ready for a game of football with their traditional haircuts
What a difference 100 years make, the football team in their bright orange kit standing tall
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Rocking the mullet: Young male students in 1909 ready for a game of football with their traditional haircuts

Sports stars: Men in the early 1900s sit on some steps together dressed for a basketball game
The university's basketball stars of today in colour, the school is famous for renowned NBA star Yao Ming
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Sports stars: Male students in the  early 1900s sit on some steps together dressed for a basketball game

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