Former Site of Ginling Women's University

Former Site of Ginling Women's University

The former site of Ginling Women's University is a cultural heritage site protected at the provincial level in Jiangsu Province.

The former site of Ginling Women's University is located at No. 122 Ninghai Road, Gulou District, and currently serves as the Suiyuan Campus of Nanjing Normal University.

Ginling Women's University was China’s first women’s university. It was founded in 1915 by seven Christian organizations, including the American Christian Churches, Presbyterian Church, and London Missionary Society of Britain, with its initial campus set up in the residence of the Li family on Xiuhuaxiang in Nanjing. In 1921, 160 acres of land were purchased around Ninghai Road, and construction of the campus began. In 1930, Ginling Women's University was renamed Ginling Women's College of Arts and Sciences, and in 1951 it merged with Ginling University. In 1952, Nanjing Teachers College was established on the original site, which was renamed Nanjing Normal University in 1984.

The buildings of Ginling Women's University were co-designed by the renowned American architect Henry Murphy and the famous Chinese architect Lü Yanzhi, and were constructed by the Chenmingji Construction Company. Construction began in the 11th year of the Republic of China (1922), and the following year six Chinese classical palace-style buildings were completed: the Assembly Hall, Science Building, Literature Building, and three student dormitories. In the 13th year of the Republic of China (1924), an additional student dormitory was built. By the 23rd year of the Republic of China (1934), the Library and the Auditorium were completed. The entire architectural complex makes full use of the natural terrain, arranging the buildings along an east-west central axis centered on the Assembly Hall, extending symmetrically to the north, south, left, and right. The layout is neat, with a balanced floor plan. The buildings feature traditional Chinese palatial architectural styles, but also incorporate advanced Western reinforced concrete frameworks and related construction materials. Classical Chinese-style verandas connect the various buildings, achieving an organic unity of Chinese and Western architectural styles.

Ginling Women's University has a proud history of revolutionary struggle. During various anti-imperialist and patriotic movements, as well as campaigns against hunger, civil war, and for peace, students of Ginling Women's University, under the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party organizations, took to the streets, joining the revolutionary tide and advocating for the nation's future.

The architectural complex of Ginling Women's University was designated as a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level by the State Council in May 2006.

Further Reading:

· Fifth Batch of Jiangsu Provincial Cultural Heritage Protection Units

· Sixth Batch of Major Historical and Cultural Sites Protected at the National Level