Chinese Name: 昆明马家大院
English Name: Majia Courtyard in Kunming
Year of Construction: 1923
Area: 1146 m²
Location: No. 36 Jingxing Street, Kunming City, Yunnan Province

Overview

The Ma Family Courtyard, the best-preserved example of classic Bai architecture in Kunming, received the 2001 Cultural Heritage Protection Award from UNESCO in the Asia-Pacific region.

Located in the picturesque Xiaoyinggui Alley of Kunming’s old streets, this residence, also known as Jinlan Tea Garden, was originally the home of Ma Qian, a national hero and renowned general of the Yunnan Army from Eryuan. Built in 1923, the courtyard became the residence of Ma Qian’s family in 1924, following his appointment as Kunming’s first mayor.

Chinese Name: 昆明西南联大旧址

English Name: The Former Site of the National Southwest Associated University in Kunming

Recommend Visit: 2-3 hours

Overview

Southwest Associated University was founded collaboratively by Peking University, Tsinghua University, and Nankai University. The three universities initially relocated to Hunan, establishing the Changsha Temporary University, and began classes on November 17, 1937. This date has since been designated as the university’s anniversary. Due to the advancing Japanese army making Changsha unsafe, the three universities moved to Kunming, Yunnan. The original site is now located on the 121st campus of Yunnan Normal University.

On May 25, 2006, the old site of Southwest Associated University was officially designated by the State Council as a national key cultural heritage protection unit in the sixth batch of such units. On January 20, 2020, General Secretary Xi Jinping visited the historic site of Southwest Associated University, which is situated within the campus of Yunnan Normal University, for an inspection.

Geographical Location

Location and Monument

The old site of the National Southwest Associated University is situated on North Gate Street in the historic district of Kunming, Yunnan Province. Here stands the “Monument to the National Southwest Associated University,” which features an inscription in seal script by Wen Yiduo.

This inscription, penned by Feng Youlan, recounts the extensive Japanese imperialist invasion that began with the Jiawu War (1894) and escalated following the Marco Polo Bridge Incident on July 7, 1937.

Establishment and Return

Faced with the escalating conflict, Peking University, Tsinghua University, and Nankai University relocated south to Kunming and collectively established the National Southwest Associated University.

The university set up faculties in various fields, including science, engineering, literature, law, business, and teacher training. Following the end of the war, the university returned to its original location on May 4, 1946.

Establishment Reasons

Founding Institutions and Relocation

Southwest Associated University was established through the collaboration of Peking University, Tsinghua University, and Tianjin Nankai University. Initially, these institutions relocated to Hunan to form the Changsha Temporary University, where they began classes on November 17, 1937.

This date was later designated as the university’s anniversary. As the Japanese army advanced dangerously, the three universities moved again to Kunming, Yunnan.

Commemorative Inscription

On the east wall near the main entrance of Yunnan Normal University, there are two lines of golden characters: “Historic Institution in China—The Old Site of the National Southwest Associated University,” inscribed by Zhu Guangya.

Zhu Guangya, a recipient of China’s Merit Medal for Nuclear Weapons, an academician of the two academies, and the Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, contributed this inscription.

Relocation During the Anti-Japanese War

Following the “July 7 Incident” in 1937, Japanese imperialism launched a full-scale invasion of China. To safeguard Chinese education from Japanese destruction, the Nationalist Government decided to relocate many higher education institutions from North China and coastal cities inland.

During the eight years of the Anti-Japanese War, over ten higher education institutions, including Zhongfa University, Sun Yat-sen University, Huazhong University, Tongji University, and Shanghai Medical College, moved to Yunnan, with Southwest Associated University being the most renowned.

Historical Development

Journey to Kunming

The students and faculty of Southwest Associated University took two main routes to reach Kunming. One group traveled by train via the Jingguang Railway to Guangzhou, then transferred to Hong Kong, continued by boat to Haiphong, Vietnam, and finally took the Yunnan-Vietnam Railway to Kunming. The other route, often referred to as the “Long March in Chinese educational history,” involved traveling entirely on foot.

This group began in western Hunan, traversed through Guizhou, and reached Kunming. More than 210 male students, who had passed physical examinations, formed this travel group from Hunan, Guizhou, and Yunnan, accompanied by 11 teachers. They set off on February 20, 1938, enduring harsh conditions such as living in the open air, trekking over mountains and streams, and experiencing physical and emotional trials. They also learned about local customs and witnessed the suffering of various ethnic groups. Hu Shi, who was initially intended to serve as the dean of the College of Arts at Southwest Associated University and later appointed as the ambassador to the United States, remarked, “The relocation to Kunming was one of the most heroic actions that touched my heart.

The journey lasted 68 days, covering more than 3,000 miles. Later, I enlarged these photos and spread them across America; this glorious history deserves to be remembered not just by the university but also in the history of world education!”

Operations in Kunming

After relocating from the Changsha Temporary University, the institution was renamed National Southwest Associated University. Classes resumed on May 4, 1938, and continued until May 4, 1946. The university operated in Kunming for eight years, comprising five colleges—Literature, Law and Business, Sciences, Engineering, and Teacher Training—and 26 departments. It also offered two specialized courses in telecommunications and teacher training, along with a general course for in-service teachers and a preparatory course. During its tenure in Kunming,

Southwest Associated University was one of the largest higher education institutions in the country. It established two branches: one in Mengzi and another in Xuyong (Yibin). To avoid potential issues from the Japanese occupation of Vietnam, the Xuyong branch was set up in the summer of 1940. All new and preparatory students of that year attended classes there, but the branch was dissolved in the fall of 1941 as the war situation stabilized, and students returned to Kunming.

Administration and Facilities

The university’s administration mirrored that of the Changsha Temporary University, with the presidents of Peking University, Tsinghua University, and Nankai University—Jiang Menglin, Mei Yiqi, and Zhang Boling—forming the executive committee, taking turns as chair. Due to other commitments of Jiang and Zhang, Mei Yiqi effectively managed the university during this period.

Established amid wartime conditions, Southwest Associated University faced numerous challenges. Initially, all campus facilities were rented from various locations in Kunming. The College of Science was located at Kunhua Agricultural School outside Daximen, and the College of Engineering was set up in three guild halls on Tuodong Road.

The Colleges of Literature and Law temporarily rented buildings from the former customs house, French Bank, and Hellenic shipping company in Mengzi. After one semester, these colleges moved back to Kunming, borrowing facilities from Kunhua Engineering School and Kunhua Normal School. The newly established College of Teacher Training used the north and south wings of Kunhua Middle School.

The university soon acquired 124 acres of wasteland near Jitai Temple in northwest Kunming (now the site of Yunnan Normal University) to build its own campus. By early summer 1939, the new campus was completed, and the Colleges of Literature, Law, and Science moved in, while the Colleges of Engineering and Teacher Training remained in temporary arrangements.

Due to wartime shortages, the new buildings were single-story structures, with student dormitories featuring earthen walls and thatched roofs, and classrooms and offices with tin roofs. By April 1944, due to severe funding deficits, the tin roofs were replaced with thatch to sell the tin for educational expenses.

Post-War Transition

After the victory in the Anti-Japanese War in 1946, Southwest Associated University was dissolved. As a gesture of gratitude to the local communities in Yunnan for their support, the Ministry of Education approved the establishment of the National Southwest Associated University Teacher Training College to remain in Kunming as an independent institution.

This college was later renamed Kunming Normal College and eventually became Yunnan Normal University in the 1980s. On the east wall near the main entrance of Yunnan Normal University, there are two lines of golden characters: “Historic Institution in China—The Old Site of the National Southwest Associated University,” inscribed by Zhu Guangya.

Return of the Three Schools

Dissolution and New Beginnings

Following the victory in the Anti-Japanese War in 1946, Southwest Associated University was dissolved. In recognition of the support provided by the local communities in Yunnan, the Ministry of Education established the National Southwest Associated University Teacher Training College in Kunming as an independent institution. This institution was later renamed Kunming Normal College and eventually became Yunnan Normal University in the 1980s.

The Monument

A notable feature on the campus is the “Monument to the National Southwest Associated University,” located in the northeast corner. Erected shortly after the university’s dissolution on May 4, 1946, the monument was inscribed by Feng Youlan, the dean of the College of Arts, with seal script by Professor Wen Yiduo and calligraphy by Luo Yong, head of the Chinese language department. The monument is often referred to as one of the “Three Unique Monuments” of modern history, renowned for its grand structure and vigorous calligraphy, which hold significant historical, artistic, and literary value.

Commemoration and Preservation

This monument has been cherished by Peking University, Tsinghua University, Nankai University, and alumni worldwide for over fifty years. In 1988, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Southwest Associated University, Peking University and the Beijing Alumni Association of Southwest Associated University decided to replicate the monument.

The replica was installed at Shouyuan, Peking University, and was unveiled on May 4, 1989, by Feng Youlan, who was then 94 years old. He emphasized the enduring significance of the university’s spirit, stating, “The rise and fall of Southwest Associated University was indeed a grand event of a generation, difficult to encounter across centuries. Today, the spirit of the university should still be promoted!” On May 25, 2006, the old site of the National Southwest Associated University was officially designated as part of the sixth batch of national key cultural heritage protection units by the State Council.

Main Exhibitions

Location and Significance

The “Monument to the National Southwest Associated University” is situated in the northeast corner of the campus. Erected on May 4, 1946, the monument was established before the return of Peking University, Tsinghua University, and Nankai University. It was inscribed by Feng Youlan, the dean of the College of Arts, with the seal script by Professor Wen Yiduo and calligraphy by Luo Yong. Recognized as one of the modern “Three Unique Monuments,” its grand structure, vigorous calligraphy, and elegant writing reflect profound meaning and hold significant historical, artistic, and literary value.

Legacy and Commemoration

The monument serves as a testament to the legacy of Southwest Associated University and has been celebrated by Peking University, Tsinghua University, Nankai University, and alumni worldwide. In 1988, to honor the 50th anniversary of Southwest Associated University, Peking University and the Beijing Alumni Association of Southwest Associated University decided to replicate the monument from Yunnan Normal University. The replica was installed in Shouyuan at Peking University and inaugurated on May 4, 1989. Feng Youlan, who had created the original inscription, unveiled the replica and reflected on the university’s remarkable history, emphasizing its lasting impact. On May 25, 2006, the old site of the National Southwest Associated University was officially recognized by the State Council as part of the sixth batch of national key cultural heritage protection units.

History of Jinri Building

Jinri Building (近日楼), originally known as “Lizhengmen” (丽正门), was constructed during the Ming Dynasty. It was an impressive and majestic structure, often referred to by the locals of old Kunming as the “high-rise close to the sun.” Situated along the north-south axis of the old city of Kunming, it was considered the southern gate of the city, alongside landmarks like the Jinma Biji Square (金马碧鸡坊) and the East and West Pagodas (东西寺塔). These locations have long served as symbols of Kunming and points of pride. The building was also known as the “Lizheng Gate” (丽正门).

The Evolution of Jinri Building

During the Qing Dynasty, after the governor of Yunnan and Guizhou, Fan Chengxun (范承勋), arrived in Kunming, he renamed the Lizheng Gate to “Jinri Gate” (近日门). The structure was referred to as the Jinri Building. In both the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the area around Jinri Building was the main commercial center of Kunming, bustling with trade and goods. However, in the 1950s, Jinri Building was demolished.

The Naming of Jinri Building

The origin of the name “Jinri” (近日), meaning “close to the sun,” is connected to the architectural and cultural significance of the building. In 1381, during the 14th year of the Hongwu Era (洪武), Zhu Yuanzhang (朱元璋) established a political administration office in Yunnan, with Mu Ying (沐英) appointed as the governor. The following year, Mu Ying oversaw the construction of Kunming’s city walls, which were built with large blue bricks. Six gates were constructed, and the southern gate was originally named “Chongzheng Gate” (崇正门), with its city tower known as “Xiangming Tower” (向明楼). This naming was intended to symbolize respect for the Ming Dynasty, but some viewed it as too honoring of the Ming, which conflicted with Qing Dynasty traditions.

During the Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty, Fan Chengxun, the governor of Yunnan and Guizhou, felt that the name “Chongzheng Gate” was outdated and inappropriate. However, he found it difficult to decide on a new name. Observing the structure, with its towering and majestic appearance, it was clear that this was no ordinary building. Local people remarked that standing at the top of the tower felt like being “close to the sun.” This inspired the locals to suggest renaming the structure to “Jinri Building” (近日楼), which quickly became widely accepted.

Reconstruction in the Modern Era

In the 1950s, the original Jinri Building was demolished to make way for the construction of Dongfeng Road (东风路), which crosses the city center of Kunming. In 2002, in an effort to preserve the city’s historical architecture and promote tourism, the Kunming government decided to rebuild Jinri Building in a new location between the East and West Pagodas. This reconstruction aimed to restore the “Old Kunming” (老昆明) style and create a pedestrian street. The new Jinri Building officially opened on April 20, 2002.

Since the opening of the pedestrian street, thousands of people have visited daily, with even larger crowds on holidays. The street has become a popular destination for both locals and visitors, including overseas Chinese and foreign tourists from all over the world.

Cultural Significance and Modern Displays

One of the highlights of the pedestrian street is a collection of bronze sculptures titled “Century-old Kunming Market Life,” which consists of five pieces: “Horse Caravan,” “Chess Players,” “Night Watchman,” “Bowl Repairer,” and “Female Merchant.” These sculptures vividly recreate the everyday life and atmosphere of Old Kunming during the late Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China era. They capture the local customs and lively market scenes, and have become an iconic feature of the area.

Inside Jinri Building, visitors can explore displays showcasing photographs taken by a French photographer during the late Qing and early Republican periods. These photographs provide a glimpse into Kunming’s streets, markets, and official activities from over a century ago. Visitors can also enjoy a collection of illustrated murals depicting the customs and lifestyle of Old Kunming, with many students and tourists taking notes as they admire the artworks.

New Location and Surrounding Area

The current Jinri Building is located nearly 900 meters south of its original site. The previous locations of Zhonglaifang (忠爱坊), Jinma Square (金马坊), and Biji Square (碧鸡坊) are now situated to the north of the building. The original site of Jinri Building was in the heart of South Ping Street (南屏步行街), one of the most vibrant and unique areas of Kunming.

The Locking of the Dragon Well

Before the reconstruction of Jinri Building, a small old house once stood between the East and West Pagodas in Kunming’s city center. This house contained an ancient well, which local legends referred to as the “Lock Dragon Well” (锁龙井), where it was believed that a dragon was trapped. According to local folklore, the East and West Pagodas were built to keep the dragon in place, and the well allowed it to vent its frustration. In 2002, when Jinri Building was rebuilt at this site, the well and old house were preserved in their original form, adding an extra layer of mystery to the area. It was a rare example of how such curious legends could be maintained while developing the area.

Transportation

To visit Jinri Building, visitors can take bus routes 4, 52, or 5 in Kunming, and ride until the final stop, which will take them directly to the entrance of the park.

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Historical and Cultural Relics in Kunming

Majia Courtyard in Kunming

Chinese Name: 昆明马家大院 English Name: Majia Courtyard in Kunming Year of Construction: 1923 Area: 1146 m² Location: No. 36 Jingxing Street, Kunming City, Yunnan Province Overview The Ma Family...

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The Former Site of the National Southwest Associated University in Kunming

Chinese Name: 昆明西南联大旧址 English Name: The Former Site of the National Southwest Associated University in Kunming Recommend Visit: 2-3 hours Overview Southwest Associated University was founded collaboratively by Peking...

Attractions    Veiw

• Historical and Cultural Relics in Kunming
• Kunming
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Jinri Building (Jinrilou) in Kunming

History of Jinri Building Jinri Building (近日楼), originally known as “Lizhengmen” (丽正门), was constructed during the Ming Dynasty. It was an impressive and majestic structure, often referred to by...

Attractions    Veiw

• Historical and Cultural Relics
• Historical and Cultural Relics in Kunming
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• Xishan District