Westlake University is the first new research-oriented university established by social forces and supported by the state in the history of the People's Republic of China. The university draws on the scale of the California Institute of Technology in the United States and the educational philosophy of Stanford University. It adheres to the educational positioning of "high starting point, small but exquisite, and research-oriented", and sets up first-level disciplines focusing on the directions of science, life and health, and cutting-edge technology. The relevant departments are led by experts from the national "Thousand Talents Program" or other top talents. They first complete the recruitment of doctoral students in the name of the research institute, with a focus on science and engineering, and then open to undergraduate students. The school has been approved to establish a national-level postdoctoral research workstation and has the independent qualification to recruit postdoctoral researchers.

Yungu Campus is the main campus of Westlake University, located in the Zijingang Science and Technology City area of Xihu District. The first phase of the campus covers an area of approximately 1,495 mu, with the first phase of construction land covering 635 mu. The total construction area of the first phase is 456,000 square meters, and the total investment, including land acquisition and demolition, is 4.63 billion yuan. It is expected to be completed by the end of 2021.

There are 36 buildings on campus, among which 2 research buildings (the academic ring includes 4 auxiliary buildings) occupy half of the building area. In addition, there are 3 canteens, 1 academic auditorium, 1 administrative building, 1 teacher and student service center, 1 teacher activity center, 1 academic exchange center, and 25 teacher and student apartment buildings.

The Academic ring is a signature design of the Yungu Campus. Overlooking the entire campus, a circular water system and 12 Bridges have created a naturally meandering waterfront and a harmonious landscape between people and water, organically integrating the natural ring, academic ring and living ring. The area within the water ring is the academic ring, which mainly undertakes the majority of teaching, research and communication functions. Beyond the water ring lies the living ring, which integrates functions such as dining, accommodation, daily life, and management, providing a social and leisure space beyond study and research.