Former Residence of Xiong Qinglai and Li Guangtian in Kunming
Overview
The former residence of Xiong Qinglai (熊庆来) and Li Guangtian (李广田), both presidents of Yunnan University, is located in East Lu Garden at Yunnan University. The residence features traditional Chinese architectural style, spans two stories, and covers an area of 200 square meters. Its red corridors, window frames, and yellow exterior walls complement the surrounding greenery, giving the building a charming and timeless appearance.
In April 2006, it was recognized as one of the “Eight Most Beautiful Former Residences of Masters in Chinese Universities” by National Human Geography magazine. Designated as a cultural relic protection unit by Yunnan Province, the residence is significant for its historical importance and the influential figures associated with it.
Historical Significance
- Construction and Purpose: Built in 1937, the residence was home to Xiong Qinglai on the first floor, while the second floor served as a bedroom or office. After 1968, it housed Li Guangtian, a renowned educator and poet, who contributed significantly to the development of Yunnan University in the 1960s.
- Cultural Heritage: The building is a crucial resource for documenting the achievements and struggles of Yunnan University throughout its history. It has been preserved thanks to advocacy from the Cultural Relics Office and the support of faculty and experts.
Key Events
- 2001: Designated as a district-level cultural relic protection unit after evaluations by an expert group.
- 2004: Recognized as a provincial-level key cultural relic protection unit.
- 2006: Selected as one of the “Eight Most Beautiful Former Residences of Masters in Chinese Universities.”
Xiong Qinglai (熊庆来)
- Life: Born on September 11, 1893, in Mile City, Yunnan Province, Xiong was a pioneer of modern mathematics in China and a key figure in function theory, known for “Xiong’s infinite numbers.”
- Education: Studied in Belgium and France, where he earned a Master’s degree in science. He published influential papers in French, contributing to the international mathematical community.
- Career: Taught at various universities, represented China at the International Congress of Mathematicians in 1932, and served as president of Yunnan University from 1937 to 1949.
Li Guangtian (李广田)
- Life: Born on October 1, 1906, in Xiaoyangjia Village, Li was a prominent educator, poet, and revolutionary writer in China.
- Education and Early Career: Studied at the First Normal School of Shandong Province and later at Peking University. He published significant literary works during this time.
- Contributions: After moving to Yunnan during the Anti-Japanese War, he helped found the Yunnan Provisional Committee of the Chinese Writers’ Association and served as president of Yunnan University post-1949. His works, including Yunnan Poetry and Yunnan Essays, are essential references for studying Yunnan literature.
Visiting Information
- Public Access: The residence was officially opened to the public in 2003 and has since received over 4,000 domestic and international guests.
- Cultural Relevance: The residence stands as a testament to the rich educational history of Yunnan University and the significant contributions of its leaders.
