[1] Founded in 1921, its official name was originally French: Institut des Hautes Études Industrielles et Commerciales de Tientsin, translated into Chinese as 天津工商大学.

In August 1933, it was officially registered under the Ministry of Education of the Nationalist Government as Private Tientsin Kung Shang College (私立天津工商学院).

[6] In 1931, due to illness, Pierre Pena returned to his home country,[7] and a board of directors, predominantly composed of Chinese nationals, was established.

The grading system switched to a percentage-based scale, elective courses were introduced, and some full-time faculty members were hired.

[11] After 1949, the newly ruling government demanded that Tsin Ku Private University offer political courses, which was resisted by the then vice president.

The standoff between the two sides led to a period of chaotic teaching, ultimately resolved through the intervention of Tianjin Mayor Huang Jing.

However, this incident brought adverse effects to the university, becoming a significant reason for the new government's decision to directly take back control of church-run schools due to their lack of experience in handling such institutions.

[18] Tsin Ku University possessed faculties in both engineering and commerce with a high reputation in the Ping-Jin region and North China.

Some faculty and staff did not relocate and joined the establishment of Tianjin Foreign Studies College at the former site of Tsin Ku University.

The entrance exams for engineering comprised 12 subjects, including Chinese language, English (written and oral), geometry, and higher algebra, while commerce exams involved eight subjects including Chinese language, English (written and oral), geometry, and algebra.

[22] The curriculum for engineering included courses such as physics, chemistry, mathematics, mechanics, surveying, geology, hydrology, civil engineering, materials, among others, while commerce courses covered chemistry, business studies, insurance, accounting, economics, finance, statistics, customs, banking, international trade, and more.

[2] Regarding practical training, Tsin Ku University students participated in internships, industrial and mining bank visits, and field surveys.

Engineering students would undertake specialized internships during the summer in places like Beiping, Qingdao, and Tianjin, and also visited industrial and mining enterprises and banking institutions.

Before graduating, fourth-year students participated in field trips, such as in 1945 when they interned at Tanggu Yongli Alkali Plant and Jiu Da Salt Factory.

[9] Tsin Ku University fostered a cultural and athletic atmosphere, hosting teams for tennis, basketball, and volleyball.

[23] Tsin Ku University, being one of the earliest modern universities in China to commence architectural education, had many famous modern Chinese architects such as Chen Yanzhong, Yan Ziheng, Zhang Bi, Feng Jiankui, and foreign architects like Paul Müller from France,[24] and Rolf Geyling from Austria.

[26] During the Sino-Japanese War, scholars who couldn't relocate, such as Qi Sihe, Weng Dujian and Hou Renzhi from Yenching University, Yuan Xianneng, Hu Jiyuan, Zhang Hualun from Nankai University, technical experts in engineering like architects Yan Ziheng, Tan Zhen, Shen Liyuan, Liu Wenkai, hydraulics experts Wang Huatang, Gao Jingying, Sun Jiaqi, all taught at Tianjin Institute of Commerce.

[20] Consequently, the chaotic situation in North China during the war against Japan and the relationship with France objectively strengthened the teaching faculty of Tianjin Institute of Commerce.

[27] Since the period of Tianjin Institute of Commerce, Tsin Ku University has upheld the motto "Seek truth from facts" (Chinese: 实事求是).

The original location of the Beijiang Museum and the former residence of its founder, Sang Zhihua, were also established on the vacant land purchased by the Catholic Church, adjacent to the school.

The halls, lobbies, and interior corridors of the building feature arched doorways, and the floors are adorned with various artistic patterns created from colored mosaic tiles.

[30] Presently, the architectural complex left by Tsin Ku University has become an integral part of the Tianjin Wudad Street tourist area.

[30] The establishment of Tianjin Institute of Commerce aimed to assist in Catholic missionary work and attract intellectuals and important groups in China.

[7] During the early stages of its establishment, Tianjin Institute of Commerce had a considerable number of staff and faculty who were either foreign nationals or Catholics.

[21] After 1949, differences arose between the new government and the French priest, vice president at the time, Father Bu Xiangxian, regarding the introduction of political classes.

This disagreement became a significant reason for the new government, which lacked experience in handling church schools, to directly reclaim control over these institutions.

[2] On July 25, he arrived in Tianjin and selected the empty space near the Church of Machang Street as the school's location, commencing the construction of the campus.

[7] In June 1931, as Tianjin Institute of Commerce prepared to be registered, the school established a majority-Chinese Board of Directors and appointed Father Zhao Zhensheng as the principal.

[20] Because Tsin Ku University was one of the earliest modern schools to offer architectural education in China, it produced numerous architects, among them Yu Fujing.

[38] Additionally, notable alumni from Tsin Ku University include Yao Yilin, a member of the 13th Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party and former Vice Premier of the State Council.