The Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University, with The Central Academy of Arts & Design being its predecessor, was established in 1956. It was merged into Tsinghua University in 1999, resulting in the first higher education institute of arts and design in China.

Since its establishment, the mission of the Academy has been twofold: serving the daily needs of the population, and contributing to the economic and cultural development of the country. Its notable achievements include design work for the "Top Ten Architectural Decorations", the Beijing Olympics, and the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the National Day (e.g. the two long red ribbons on Tian'anmen Square, parade floats and ceremonial vehicles).

The Academy can grant doctorate degrees in three first-level disciplines, namely design, fine arts, and art theory. In addition to a basic teaching and research group, there are ten departments to cover textile and fashion design, ceramic design, visual communication design, environmental art design, industrial design, arts and crafts, information art & design, painting, sculpture, and art history.

The Academy has developed a comprehensive platform integrating teaching, research and academic publications. Its Laboratory for Arts & Design Education, a national experimental teaching demonstration center, consists of 29 labs. It publishes ZHUANGSHI, a core art journal in China.

The Academy actively cultivates "virtuous, artistic, knowledgeable and creative" talents, putting a premium on individuality and innovation. It aims to raise its international profile and strengthen its global influence.

The Academy will continue to expand on the tradition, enhance the integration of arts and science, and strive to become a global center of excellence for art education.