This paper reviews the reforms in higher education in China in the context of globalization, pinpointing the conception changes, policy changes, governance changes and consequential changes in curriculum and methodology. What is presented here is grounded in documentation, and uses Northeast Normal University as a case study. The paper explores areas of change in education in China over two decades including reorientation, decentralisation, curriculum renewal, innovation, and scaling up of higher education. It also highlights the problems encountered in the process of change and proffers solutions to these. Finally, the author reflects on higher education reforms in China, and the relation between continuity of fine traditions and change along with internationalization of higher education.