Southwest Associated University, a thrilling attraction

Southwest Associated University:
In 1930, after the outbreak of the Anti-Japanese War, the Ministry of Education ordered Peking University, Tsinghua University, and Nankai University to relocate south to Changsha, Hunan, to establish a temporary university to preserve valuable educational assets and continue educating talented individuals. As the war intensified, the temporary university relocated to Kunming, Yunnan, in 1938 and was officially renamed National Southwest Associated University. Southwest Associated University existed for a mere eight years, until 1946. During these eight years, it nurtured many outstanding individuals, including Nobel laureates such as Yang Zhenning and Li Zhengdao. Hu Shi, Zhu Ziqing, Wu Dayou, Lin Huiyin, and Liang Sicheng all taught there. Although the university closed in 1946, its former site is now Yunnan Normal University. Remarkably, a small plot of land within the existing campus houses the Southwest Associated University Museum and one of the original school buildings. Inside the Southwest Associated University Museum, one can clearly sense the resilient national unity, the commitment to reading to save the nation, and the insatiable thirst for knowledge amidst the bombardment of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Every time I think of that brief two-hour tour of Southwest Associated University's history, my blood boils, and I'm eager to return to my textbooks.
⏳ Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

🚌 Location: Search "South Gate of Yunnan Normal University (121 Southwest Associated University Campus)" on Baidu Maps. From here, walk straight ahead, turn right, and pass the Democracy Lawn (with a statue of Wen Yiduo on it). Turn left and you'll see the "Southwest Associated University Replica Gate."

🎟️ Admission: No admission fee, but you must contact WeChat, search for "Southwest Associated University Site," and select "Reservation Service" to make a reservation. A barcode is required for entry. Free guided tours are offered daily at 10:30 AM and 3:30 PM. We highly recommend taking one of these tours; they'll leave you feeling excited and motivated. If you can't schedule a tour, don't worry! Book an early time slot and visit the campus to take photos. Then, when your time is up, head to the entrance of the Southwest Associated University Museum Visitor Center to join the group.

🚶🏼➡️Side Tours:

Yunnan University: Formerly a tribute academy during the Ming and Qing dynasties, it was later converted into a university. Yunnan University's Donglu Campus is said to be particularly beautiful during ginkgo season. Besides the ginkgo trees, the campus buildings are worth seeing. (a) Yingqiu Courtyard: A female dormitory designed by Liang Sicheng and Lin Huiyin in 1938, it features a courtyard-style architecture that blends Chinese and Western styles. (b) Physics Building: A Western-style Roman column building with a corridor. (c) Bell Tower: A 1955 water tower and bell tower. (d) Gongyuan: The residence and examination site for candidates during the Ming Dynasty (1499). (e) Huizeyuan: A red brick and tile building. It is said that Chiang Kai-shek lived here when he visited Kunming in 1935. It is currently used as an office building.

⏳ Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

🚌 Location: Located opposite Yunnan Normal University; enter through any small gate.

🎟️ Admission: No admission fee, but reservations must be made via WeChat. Yunnan University has two campuses: the Donglu Campus, located near the Southwest Associated University Museum, and the Chenggong Campus, located further away. Be sure not to make the wrong reservation.

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Post by 跟著H去旅行 | Sep 13, 2025