Former Site of Zhejiang University's Longquan Branch

Former Site of Zhejiang University's Longquan Branch

The former site of Zhejiang University's Longquan Branch is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit and a patriotic education base.

The former site of Zhejiang University's Longquan Branch is located in Fangye Village, about 3 kilometers southeast of the city. Fangye was originally called Fangxia. During the War of Resistance against Japan, a branch of Zhejiang University was established here, and the village name was changed to “Fangye,” which has been used ever since. The old campus faces south and covers a construction area of over 3,000 square meters. It consists of two courtyards with a central courtyard between them, flanked by side rooms. The first courtyard and the side rooms, as well as the kitchen, are all two stories high, while the second courtyard is three stories. It features a Sino-Western architectural style. The building was constructed in the 21st year of the Republic of China (1932) by a local gentry member from Fangye Village, Zeng Shuiqing, hence it is known as the "Zeng Family Mansion."

In 1937, after the Japanese invasion of China, Zhejiang University was forced to relocate inland. In the autumn of 1939, a branch campus was established in Longquan, and this building served as its site. At that time, the branch had five colleges: Arts, Science, Engineering, Agriculture, and Education. It also had an affiliated primary school. With over 30 renowned professors and nearly 1,000 students, the Longquan Branch of Zhejiang University not only maintained regular academic instruction but also carried out various scholarly activities. It remained in operation until it relocated back to its headquarters in Hangzhou in the winter of 1945. Over the course of seven years, the branch nurtured a large number of outstanding talents, conducted highly effective anti-Japanese salvation propaganda campaigns, and made significant contributions to the cultural development of the Longquan mountainous region and the promotion of the spirit of truth-seeking. As a result, on March 10, 1990, the Longquan Municipal People’s Government and Zhejiang University signed the “Minutes of Discussion on the Protection of the Former Site of Zhejiang University's Longquan Branch.” In recognition of its significance, the Longquan Municipal People’s Government designated the site as a municipal-level cultural relics protection unit on June 17, 1991. On March 22, 2005, it was announced as a provincial-level cultural relics protection unit by the People’s Government of Zhejiang Province.

In May 2013, the State Council (State Council Document [2013] No. 13) designated the former site of Zhejiang University's Longquan Branch as a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Further Reading:

· Fifth Batch of Zhejiang Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units

· Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units