Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology (XUAT) is one of China's eight historic institutions specializing in civil engineering and architecture. It was once a key university directly overseen by the former Ministry of Metallurgical Industry. Located in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, its roots can be traced back to Beiyang University, founded in 1895. During the nationwide restructuring of China's higher education system in 1956, XUAT was formed through the merger of the Northeast Institute of Technology, Northwest Institute of Technology, Qingdao Institute of Technology, and the civil engineering, construction, and environmental departments of the South Jiangsu Polytechnic Institute. The university was renamed Xi'an Metallurgical Institute in 1959 and later Xi'an Metallurgical and Architectural Institute in 1963. It adopted its current name, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, in March 1994.