Former Site of National Southwest Association University in Kunming

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The Former Site of National Southwest Associated University (国立西南联合大学旧址) in Kunming (昆明) is a historic landmark that holds significant cultural and educational importance in China. Established during the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945), the university was formed by the merger of three top Chinese universities—Peking University (北京大学), Tsinghua University (清华大学), and Nankai University (南开大学)—to continue higher education in the face of wartime disruption.

The university served as a vital academic center during a critical period in China’s history, contributing to the development of modern Chinese intellectual thought and training many notable scholars and leaders. Today, the site is preserved as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich academic legacy of the university and its role in fostering national unity and intellectual resilience during wartime.

The historical buildings and displays at the site highlight the resilience and dedication of educators and students who continued their academic pursuits amidst challenging circumstances. The former site remains a symbol of the country’s commitment to education and a testament to the enduring spirit of scholarship during times of adversity.

Background of the Establishment

The National Southwest Associated University (西南联合大学) was formed through the merger of Peking University (北京大学), Tsinghua University (清华大学), and Nankai University (南开大学). Initially, the three universities relocated to Changsha (长沙), where they established a temporary university, and classes began on November 17, 1937. This date later became the university’s annual anniversary. However, as the Japanese forces advanced, the university moved again, this time to Kunming (昆明) in Yunnan Province (云南省).

In Kunming, the university established its new home at Yunnan Normal University (云南师范大学), where a plaque bearing the name “Former Site of National Southwest Associated University” (国立西南联合大学旧址) can be found near the main entrance. The plaque was inscribed by Zhu Guangya (朱光亚), a renowned scientist and political leader who played a significant role in China’s development during the Cold War. The creation of the Southwest Associated University was a critical step in preserving China’s academic culture during the Japanese invasion and has since been celebrated as a significant achievement in the history of Chinese education.

History of Construction

The journey of the university’s relocation to Kunming was arduous. The teachers and students traveled by two different routes. One group took a train via the Beijing-Guangzhou Railway to Guangzhou (广州), then traveled by boat to Haiphong (Vietnam), before taking the Yunnan-Vietnam Railway (滇越铁路) to Kunming. The other group, known as “The Long March of Chinese Education,” walked the entire route from Western Hunan (湖南) to Kunming, crossing through Guizhou (贵州) and suffering great physical hardship along the way. Their journey lasted 68 days and covered over 3,000 miles, symbolizing the resilience and determination of China’s intellectuals during the war.

Upon arrival in Kunming in 1938, the university initially operated out of rented buildings scattered across the city due to the lack of available space. Over time, the university acquired land in the northwest of Kunming, where construction began for a permanent campus at Yunnan Normal University. The new campus was basic, with student dormitories built from mud bricks and thatched roofs, and classrooms constructed with metal sheet roofs due to financial constraints. Despite these difficulties, the university continued to function, adapting to the wartime conditions.

Return of the Three Universities

After the victory of the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945), the Southwest Associated University officially closed on May 4, 1946, and the three universities returned to the north. However, to honor the people of the Three Yi Area (三迤) who had supported the university, the Teacher’s College (师范学院) remained in Kunming and was renamed Kunming Normal University (昆明师范学院), which later became Yunnan Normal University (云南师范大学) in the 1980s.

At the Yunnan Normal University campus, there is a Monument to National Southwest Associated University (国立西南联合大学纪念碑) in the northeast corner, erected in 1946. The monument, which is regarded as a modern “masterpiece,” was written by Feng Youlan (冯友兰), the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, and inscribed by Wen Yiduo (闻一多), a renowned scholar. This monument stands as a tribute to the university’s legacy.

Major Exhibits

The Monument to National Southwest Associated University is a significant exhibit at the site. Erected in 1946, the monument commemorates the university’s dedication to education during wartime. The inscription is a profound representation of the spirit of the university and its historical importance. In 1988, a replica of the monument was created at Peking University (北京大学) to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the university’s founding.

Recognition and Honors

On May 25, 2006, the Former Site of National Southwest Associated University was officially listed as a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit (全国重点文物保护单位) by the State Council of China. In 2008, a significant memorial construction project was funded by the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee and overseen by Yunnan Normal University, further solidifying the site’s importance in Chinese history.

The site remains a cherished symbol of China’s resilience and intellectual spirit during a time of war and hardship, and it continues to attract visitors and alumni from around the world who revere its legacy.

Educational Achievements

The National Southwest Associated University (西南联合大学) produced many notable experts in the humanities and social sciences, as well as renowned writers, including Liu Guoguang (刘国光), Wang Zisong (汪子嵩), Huang Dansen (黄丹森), Ren Jiyu (任继愈), Zhu Dexi (朱德熙), Wang Jun (王均), Ma Shitu (马识途), Wang Zengqi (汪曾祺), Xu Guozhang (许国璋), Wang Zuoliang (王佐良), and Chen Yulun (陈羽纶).

Famous faculty and students include Chen Yinke (陈寅恪), Chen Shengshen (陈省身), Hua Luogeng (华罗庚), Zhou Peiyuan (周培源), Feng Youlan (冯友兰), Fei Xiaotong (费孝通), Wu Dayou (吴大猷), Yang Zhenning (杨振宁), Li Zhengdao (李政道), and Wen Yiduo (闻一多).

In post-revolutionary China, 164 faculty and students from the university became Academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (中国科学院) and Chinese Academy of Engineering (中国工程院). Among the 23 recipients of the “Two Bombs, One Satellite” Merit Medal (两弹一星功勋奖章), 6 were graduates of the university. Additionally, 3 graduates were among the 9 scientists who received China’s highest National Science and Technology Award since 2000.

Despite the extremely challenging conditions during wartime, the university created a remarkable legacy. Many of its alumni later became prominent political figures, including Song Ping (宋平), a Standing Committee Member of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee (中共中央政治局常委), and Wang Hanbin (王汉斌), Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (全国人大常委会). Several alumni held ministerial roles, such as He Dongchang (何东昌), Minister of Education, Lin Zongtang (林宗棠), Minister of Aerospace, and Li Ming (李明), Vice Minister of Finance.

Today, Southwest Associated University’s alumni are celebrated for their tremendous contributions to the Chinese nation and the world. The university’s short nine-year history is a shining chapter in the education of China and the world.

Global Recognition and Legacy

Southwest Associated University, in its brief nine years, made extraordinary contributions to both Chinese and global education. Esteemed scholars from around the world have devoted significant efforts to studying its history. On the university’s 50th anniversary, a U.S. scholar who spent 30 years researching the university’s history remarked: “While many countries look to Western education systems, the Chinese can take pride in their modern education system, which produced a world-class university half a century ago. The legacy of this institution belongs to all of humanity.”

Xi Jinping’s Visit and Reflection

On January 20, 2020, General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) visited the Former Site of the National Southwest Associated University in Kunming, located within the campus of Yunnan Normal University (云南师范大学), for an inspection. After learning about the university’s proud history during the war and its continued educational efforts despite difficult circumstances, Xi Jinping reflected:

“During national crises, our educational core gathered here, forming an elite group. This group thrived and spread its talents, playing a vital role in the revolutionary, construction, and reform periods. This teaches us that education must be closely linked to the fate of the nation and the future of the people. The motivation to learn comes from the desire to serve the country and the people. The harsh environment often produces the greatest talents.”

Xi emphasized that the current educational goal is to nurture socialist builders and successors, individuals who have a strong sense of responsibility and vision, and who will not waste their time but contribute meaningfully to society.

📍 Location

Address: 298 Yi’er Yi Street, Wuhua District, Kunming, Yunnan Province, inside the Yi’er Yi Campus of Yunnan Normal University (云南师范大学一二一校区).
Nearby Landmarks: Within walking or cycling distance of Green Lake Park (翠湖公园), Yunnan University (云南大学), and the Former Site of the Yunnan Military Academy (陆军讲武堂旧址), making it easy to combine visits.

🏛 Historical Highlights

Background:

In 1937, after the outbreak of the Second Sino-Japanese War, Peking University, Tsinghua University, and Nankai University relocated south. First forming the “Changsha Temporary University,” they later moved to Kunming to establish the National Southwest Associated University (1938–1946).

Remarkable Achievements:

• Produced two Nobel Prize winners: Yang Chen-Ning (杨振宁) and Tsung-Dao Lee (李政道).

• Nurtured eight “Two Bombs, One Satellite” pioneers and 174 members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering.

• Hosted a legendary faculty including Chen Yinke, Feng Youlan, Hua Luogeng, Wen Yiduo, and Zhu Ziqing.

Historic Remains:

• A classroom building designed by Lin Huiyin (林徽因).

• The Southwest Associated University Memorial Monument with inscriptions by Feng Youlan.

• Restored classrooms and a group of sculptures depicting teachers and students.

🎟 Things to See & Do

🚌 Getting There

• Bus: Take routes 10, 84, 96, or 64 to “Yunnan Normal University” (云南师范大学) stop.

• Metro: Line 4, get off at Sujiatang Station (苏家塘站), walk about 10 minutes.

• Car/Taxi: Navigate to “Yunnan Normal University Yi’er Yi Campus,” limited parking available on-site.

🍜 Nearby Food Picks

🎯 Travel Tips

Best Season: Kunming’s eternal spring climate makes it pleasant year-round. In winter, you can also spot red-billed gulls at nearby Green Lake.

Suggested Half-Day Route:
Morning – Southwest Associated University Site (1.5 hrs) → Walk to Yunnan University (30 min) → Lunch at Wenlin Street
Afternoon – Stroll through Green Lake Park → Visit the Yunnan Military Academy → Coffee in Culture Alley (文化巷)

Photo Spots: In front of the Memorial Monument, at Lin Huiyin’s classroom building, and at the main university gate.

Tips:

• Free admission, no reservation needed; guided tours require advance booking via the university’s website or phone.

• Volunteer guides are available; weekends and holidays can be busier, so mornings are ideal.

🧭 Optional Extension – Mengzi Campus (蒙自分校)

If you have extra time, take a one-hour high-speed train to Mengzi in Honghe Prefecture and visit the Southwest Associated University Mengzi Campus Memorial. You can explore sites such as the Gollust Company Building (哥胪士洋行) and the Former French Consulate (法国领事府), experiencing the university’s brief but meaningful legacy in southern Yunnan.