Soochow University, founded in 1900 in Suzhou, was the first western-style university in China. After the government of the Republic of China moved to Taiwan, some of its former alumni exerted tireless efforts to reestablish their alma mater in Taipei. In 1951, a board of directors was created and premises were rented on Hankou Street in downtown Taipei to set up the so-called Soochow Preparatory School. After the Ministry of Education approved the reestablishment plan at the end of 1954, the School of Law was the first to be established, which included the Departments of Law, Political Science, Economics, and Accounting, along with an attached Foreign Languages and Literature Department. The school became the first private university in Taiwan. Soochow University is on the cultural axis of Taipei City. Near the National Palace Museum, among lush green hills and a clear stream flowing by, the Waishuanghsi Campus presents a spectacular view and offers the students a superior study environment. On this campus are the School of Arts & Social Sciences, the School of Foreign Languages and Cultures, and the School of Science.The School of Law, the School of Business and the Extension School are on the Downtown Campus, in the administrative and commercial center of Taipei. Due to the convenience of transportation, professionals are easily accessible there, and the faculty and students can utilize in their academic work the rich resources offered by adjacent administrative and commercial institutions and libraries. Transportation between the two campuses is convenient. Both campuses have their own unique cultural and academic resources and distinctive environments.