Fu Jen Catholic University was established on the Xicheng site in 1925 with the mission to “introduce the world's latest sciences and develop China's inherent culture”. It quickly became one of the four most prestigious universities in China, alongside Peking University, Tsinghua University, and Yenching University. Fu Jen Catholic University served as a significant platform for Sino-foreign cultural exchanges and contributing many important chapters to the history of China and its educational development. The principal academic building, still standing, was designed by Belgian architect Dom Adelbert Gresnigt, and was once acclaimed as one of the "three grandeur buildings in Beiping". It presents a remarkable fusion of Chinese and Western architectural styles, art and culture.

The Xicheng Campus covers an area of 41,000 square meters, featuring historic and beautifully landscaped gardens and academic buildings, as well as dedicated spaces for student accommodations and activities. The Jingshi Academy provides a perfect environment for intercultural exchange and sharing insights from Chinese culture with academic visitors from around the world, serving as a model for the innovative use of cultural heritage buildings.

Centered on development, governance and culture”, Jingshi Academy aims to be: a platform for cross-disciplinary cooperation; a venue for people to people exchanges and a A cradle for global governance talent.