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 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era of the Qing Dynasty, Fan Chengxun, the governor of Yunnan and Guizhou, felt that the name “Chongzheng Gate” was outdated and inappropriate.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.