Chinese History as a Major - best colleges?

I'm something of a history buff, specifically Chinese History. I'd love any help or advice on what college might be the best in the US for this major. Any thoughts?

Sure, I'd be happy to give some recommendations.

First off, you'll want to consider universities that not only offer Chinese history as a course of study, but also have strong overall history and East Asian studies departments, and ideally a wide array of resources like relevant research centers or special collections in their libraries.

Here are some suggestions:

1. Stanford University: Stanford has a distinct advantage of having the Hoover Institution which houses an extensive collection of materials related to East Asia. Their History department offers a course track in "Global Affairs and World History," which can be paired with an East Asian Studies minor.

2. University of California, Berkeley: UC Berkeley is another strong option. It stands out for its Center for Chinese Studies, which is one of the oldest research centers of its kind in the United States. It has a large faculty with expertise in Chinese history, and they offer numerous classes focusing on China across different time periods.

3. Harvard University: Harvard has a well-respected History department and a strong East Asian Studies program. The Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies at Harvard is one of the country's leading institutions dedicated to the study of China.

4. Yale University: Yale's Department of History is one of the oldest and most respected in the nation. It offers numerous courses specifically related to Chinese history. Their Council on East Asian Studies is an intellectual hub for scholars in the field.

5. Columbia University: Their East Asian Languages and Cultures department is quite extensive. The Weatherhead East Asian Institute at Columbia offers numerous resources and hosts regular events focusing on the area.

6. University of Pennsylvania: The Department of East Asian Languages and Civilizations and the Center for East Asian Studies are notable here. The large faculty covers a wide array of topics in Chinese history.

Keep in mind that alongside your major, you might want to consider study abroad opportunities to China or Taiwan, as immersion can be invaluable when studying history and culture.

Lastly, remember to factor in other considerations that are important to you, such as location, campus culture, and financial costs when making your decision. Good luck!