The Journal of Northwest University traces its origin of “Xuecong”, a monthly publication first issued on July 1, 1913, which literally means Academic Collection in Chinese. The Journal of Northwest University (Natural Science Edition) is a comprehensive academic journal of natural science sponsored by Northwest University (bimonthly). The journal publishes original research papers across fundamental and applied fields such as Geology, Geography(Human Geography, Physical Geography), Information Science, Chemistry, Life Sciences, Mathematics and Economics. 

Currently, the journal is indexed in CASSI (CAS Source Index) ,  JST (Japan Science and Technology) , COAJ(China Open Access Journals)  and SciOpen database. It is a core comprehensive journal in natural sciences listed in “A Guide to the Core Journals of China” issued by Peking University, a source journal for “Chinese Scientific and Technical Papers and Citation” (CSTPCD) and the “Chinese Science Citation Database” (CSCD) (Core Collection), and a journal indexed in World Journal Clout Index (WJCI). The journal has been selected for funding under the “China Excellence Action Plan for Scientific and Technical Journals” (Phase II) and Shaanxi Province’s “Sanqin Excellence Program”. The journal has received honors such as National Outstanding University Science & Technology Journal, National Top 100 University Sci-Tech Journals, Shaanxi Provincial Outstanding Sci-Tech Journal, and Shaanxi University Famous Journals.