«Chinese knowledge is essense, western knowledge is a tool» or the reform movements in the education system in the second half of the 19th century

The article examines the key events in development of traditional Chinese education system in the second half of the 19th century. This period characterized by deep systemic crisis of this time, the search for ways to develop country, awareness of the need to reform the country’s education system. Leaders of the reform movement «Hundred Days' Reform» stressed the underdeveloped state of the country’s education system and supported westernization of country. During «Hundred Days’ Reform» numerous decrees were issued, which were aimed at establishing a new type of human being: the establishment of new type educational institutions, the repeal of eight-legged essay in the system of State examinations, the establishment of study abroad programs, the studying of foreign science and technologies. One of the outstanding reformers were Kang Youwei and Liang Qichao. Although the reforms have failed, they have a significant impact on the development of country’s system.