PekingUniversity, born in 1898, was originally named Shi Jing University Hall. It was the first national university in modern China, and it was also the earliest school established as a "university". Its establishment marks the beginning of modern higher education in China. Peking University is the only school established as the highest institution of higher learning in modern China. At first, it was also the highest educational administrative organ of the country, exercising the functions of the Ministry of Education and being in charge of national education.