Historical Background
Wen Yiduo (闻一多), a prominent figure in Chinese literature, was tragically murdered by the Kuomintang (国民党) during a turbulent yet seemingly peaceful night amid the outbreak of the Chinese Civil War. He had previously delivered a speech in Kunming regarding the persecution of Li Gongpu (李公朴) by Kuomintang agents. His martyrdom occurred near his former residence, which has since been transformed into a kindergarten. Every year during the Tomb-Sweeping Day (清明节), large numbers of citizens visit Wen Yiduo’s former residence to pay homage to his legacy.
Wen Yiduo’s Former Residence
- Location: No. 61, Sijia Camp, Longquan Town, Kunming (昆明市龙泉镇司家营61号)
Wen Yiduo Literary and Artistic Corridor
The “Wen Yiduo Literary and Artistic Corridor” (闻一多先生文学艺术走廊) project is situated on the banks of Cuihu (翠湖) in Kunming. This bustling area is anchored by Xicangpo, connecting Qianju Street to North Cuihu Road. Surrounded by universities, key primary and secondary schools, and kindergartens, the location is highly sought after due to heavy foot traffic, especially during the season when red-billed gulls gather at Cuihu Lake. This project effectively promotes patriotism and revolutionary traditions while exploring the revolutionary spirit embedded in Kunming’s historical and cultural heritage, enriching the historical context surrounding Cuihu.
Additional Information
- Location: Wuhua District, Kunming (昆明市五华区)
- Type: Monument
- Honoree: Wen Yiduo (闻一多)
- Cultural Heritage Level: Key cultural relic protection unit in Kunming
- Related Structures: Wen Yiduo’s former residence, Wen Yiduo Cultural Corridor
Life of Wen Yiduo
Wen Yiduo (闻一多) (1899-1946) was born in Xishui, Hubei Province (湖北浠水). He was a renowned professor, poet, and literary figure. During his youth, he studied in the United States and experienced firsthand the discrimination faced by “Tang people” (唐人), leading him to work as a washerman and laborer, which filled him with indignation. Upon returning to China, he witnessed the devastation of war and cried out, “This is not my homeland! No! No!” (这不是我的祖国，不对！不对！).
Wen immersed himself in ancient texts and diligently studied classics, gaining deep insights. When the War of Resistance against Japan broke out, he taught at temporary universities formed by Tsinghua (清华), Peking University (北大), and Nankai University (南开). During the relocation of the schools to Yunnan, Wen Yiduo and over 200 students and a dozen professors walked for 68 days, covering 3,500 miles while investigating the customs and folk stories of Hunan (湘), Guizhou (黔), and Yunnan (滇). They arrived in Kunming on April 28, 1938. Wen became a distinguished professor at the newly established Southwest Associated University (西南联合大学). Despite earning a meager salary, he taught additional classes at secondary schools and even carved seals to supplement his income, advertising his services as “Wen Yiduo Seal Carver” (闻一多治印). However, he refused lucrative offers from high-ranking officials and wealthy individuals for seal carving.
