Huize College of Yunnan University in Kunming
Overview
Huize College (云南大学会泽院), located in the Donglu Campus of Yunnan University, Kunming, occupies an area of 2,484.05 m² with a building area of 3,953.49 m². Built on December 18, 1924, it stands as one of the iconic structures of Yunnan University. The college is situated along the central axis of the campus, facing south, with a two-story structure (partially three stories). Its historical significance, reflected in numerous major events, has profoundly influenced Yunnan’s educational and cultural development, as well as modern Chinese history.
On October 7, 2019, Huize College was officially designated as a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China.
Key Facts:
- Name: Huize College of Yunnan University (云南大学会泽院)
- Location: Donglu Campus, Yunnan University, Wuhua District, Kunming, Yunnan Province
- Established: December 18, 1924
- Area: 2,484.05 m²
- Building Area: 3,953.49 m²
- Protection Status: National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit (8th batch)
- Architectural Style: Western architectural influence, incorporating a mix of brick, wood, and steel concrete.
Historical Development
The construction of Huize College began on April 20, 1923, and was completed by December 18, 1924, on the site of the Ming and Qing-era Yunnan Imperial Examination Hall (明远楼). The building was named Huize College (会泽院) to honor the contributions of Tang Jiyao, the founder of the private East Lu University, and his advocacy for education.
Notable Events:
- 1925: The May 30th Movement in Shanghai and the March 18th Incident in Beijing prompted East Lu University students to march from Huize College to support the protests.
- 1927: A bronze tablet commemorating the establishment of East Lu University was erected inside the building.
- 1941: During the Japanese occupation, Huize College was bombed, with a bomb penetrating the floor but the building remaining intact.
- 1948: The July 15th Movement saw fierce student protests and clashes with military police at the college.
- Post-WWII: Following the war, renovations were carried out, including the addition of a third floor, renamed Yangzhi Building.
Architectural Features
Huize College features a western-style facade with classical columns and a symmetrical design. The main building spans 77.58 meters in length, 22.63 meters in width, and reaches a height of 17 meters. The structure includes two stories, with part of the building extending to three stories, and some sections featuring a basement.
The facade consists of five horizontal sections and three vertical sections, with a classical entrance supported by four 10-meter high columns. Visitors must ascend 95 stone steps (known as “Jiuwu Steps” or 龙门道), which symbolize the flying dragon in the I Ching. These steps are one of the iconic features of the college, often photographed by alumni during graduation.
Historical Relics and Exhibitions
Notable Relics:
- Jiuwu Steps (九五台阶): The 95 stone steps leading to Huize College are a major historical and symbolic feature, with a Western-style fountain at the second platform.
- Bronze Tablet: Inside the college, a bronze tablet records the founding of East Lu University, inscribed by calligrapher Chen Rongchang.
Exhibitions:
The first floor of Huize College houses the Yunnan University History Museum, which is divided into three sections:
- Left Section: Displays the history of Yunnan University.
- Middle Section: Serves as a foyer.
- Right Section: Features thematic exhibitions about Yunnan University and special exhibits.
Cultural and Historical Significance
Name Origin: The name “Huize” (会泽) honors Tang Jiyao’s hometown in Huize County, Qujing City, Yunnan Province, where he promoted education and founded East Lu University. The name “院” (Yuan) was chosen to indicate a general building, distinguishing it from previous architectural terms like “楼” (building) and “堂” (hall), as the main structure was built on the site of the Mingyuan Building (明远楼) of the former imperial examination hall.
Key Figures:
- Zhang Banghan: The architect of Huize College, who studied architecture in Paris and Belgium before returning to China. He later contributed to the development of Western technologies and served as a high-ranking official in Yunnan.
- Pu Chaozhu: A prominent revolutionary figure involved in the July 15th Movement against American imperialism and Japanese fascism. Pu faced arrest and severe torture but maintained his revolutionary spirit.
Events during the War:
- World War II: The college was repeatedly bombed by Japanese aircraft, with several bombs causing significant damage but leaving the building standing. The college was a vital site for student activism, including the Anti-American and Pro-Japanese Movement (反美扶日) in 1948.
Cultural and Historical Value
Huize College is not only a key architectural and cultural landmark of Yunnan University, but it also represents the development of higher education in China’s southwest region. The historical events that unfolded within its walls have had a lasting impact on Yunnan’s educational culture and China’s modern history. The college retains its original architectural form, making it an invaluable site for studying China’s educational history and the evolution of historical buildings in the southwest.
Protection Efforts:
- 1987: The Yunnan Imperial Examination Hall and Huize College were listed as provincial-level cultural heritage sites.
- 2018: Huize College was included in the Third Batch of China’s 20th Century Architectural Heritage List.
- 2019: It was officially recognized as a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit by the State Council.
Visitor Information
Location:
Huize College is located in the Donglu Campus of Yunnan University, Wuhua District, Kunming, Yunnan Province.
Transportation:
- Take Bus 1 to the Yunnan University (Qingyun Street) station, then walk 212 meters to reach Huize College.
