High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! Shanghai Jiao Tong University , sometimes referred to as Shanghai Jiaotong University , is a public research university located in Shanghai, China. Shanghai Jiao Tong University is known as one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in China.In 1896, Nanyang Public School was founded in Shanghai by an imperial edict issued by Guangxu Emperor, under the Business and Telegraphs Office of the imperial government. Four schools were established: the normal school, school of foreign studies, middle school and a high school. Sheng Xuanhuai, the proposer of the edict, became the first president and was regarded as the founder of the university.