Jinan University (JNU; simplified Chinese: 暨南大学; traditional Chinese: 暨南大學; pinyin: Jìnán Dàxué; Wade–Giles: Chi-nan Ta-hsuëh) is a leading research and comprehensive university based in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China. It is one of the oldest universities established on mainland China tracing back to the Qing Empire. It is a university administered by the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council and the Chinese Ministry of Education. In 1906, a Manchu Minister named Duan Fang (端方, 1861-1911) submitted a memorandum to Emperor Guangxu (光緒帝, August 14, 1871–November 14, 1908), proposing that an oversea Chinese school be set up for the purpose of spreading far and wide the enlightening influence of education and strengthening the emotional ties with compatriots overseas. Emperor Guangxu approved of his proposal and thus Duan Fang was honored as the founder of Jinan University. On March 23rd 1907. Jinan Academy was founded in Nanjing, becoming the first of its kind in Chinese history and serving as a curtain-raiser for the later development of overseas Chinese education. In 1927, Jinan Academy was renamed Jinan National University, located in Shanghai.