In the practice of Westernization Movement, he felt that "self-improvement lies in storing talents, and storing talents must first promote learning". 1892 after Sheng Xuanhuai took office at Tianjin Customs Road, he began to prepare for running a school. Three years later, 1895 (the 21st year of Guangxu), he invited Li Hongzhang to play the invitation. With the transfer of Li Hongzhang to the Cabinet, Sheng Xuanhuai established a new school on September 1895 (August 1st, 21st year of Guangxu) through the new governor of Zhili and Beiyang Minister Wang Wenzhao. 18951010.2 (August 14th, 21st year of Guangxu) Emperor Guangxu wrote an imperial edict on the memorial that "all the yamen knew about it". "Tianjin Beiyang Western Learning School" was formally established, and the school is located in Liangjiayuan, outside Daying Gate, Tianjin. 1896 was renamed Beiyang University Hall.
1900, Beiyang West School became the barracks of the German Empire in Eight-Nation Alliance, so the teaching was interrupted. 1902, Yuan Shikai, governor of Zhili, invited Beiyang University Hall to rebuild in the former site of Tianjin Xigu Arsenal.