Early Buildings of Chongqing University

Early Buildings of Chongqing University

The early buildings of Chongqing University are listed as Major Historical and Cultural Sites Protected at the National Level.

The modern architectural complex of Chongqing University is located in Area A of the university. In 1933, Chongqing University relocated from Caiyuanba to its current site in Shapingba, Chongqing, where it built its first teaching building—the College of Science—and gradually constructed more facilities. Later, due to the outbreak of the Anti-Japanese War—when universities in occupied areas were relocated inland—the then Central University temporarily used the campus and, due to the joint educational needs of Chongqing University, a series of buildings were constructed. Because of the hasty wartime construction and bombings by Japanese forces, some buildings were eventually damaged or destroyed, but most of the well-designed structures have been preserved. The surviving ones mainly include the Yinchu Pavilion, the College of Engineering Building, the First Teaching Building, the Wenzizhai Building, the Songlinpo Auditorium, the Old Library Building, and the Unity Square. Additionally, the Xingzi Zhai was destroyed by Japanese bombing during heavy air raids, the temporary Central University buildings were demolished after the liberation due to disrepair, and Raojiayuan was removed when the main teaching building was constructed earlier this century.

Among the modern architectural complex of Chongqing University, the College of Science Building, the College of Engineering Building, the Yinchu Pavilion, and the Wenzizhai Building are designated as Municipal Second-Class Key Cultural Relics Protection Units in Chongqing, while the rest have been selected as Outstanding Modern Architectural Works in Chongqing. On December 2, 2017, the release ceremony of the second batch of China’s 20th Century Architectural Heritage projects and the founding ceremony of the Chizhou Ecological Civilization Research Institute were held in Chizhou, Anhui. The modern architectural complex of Chongqing University was included in the “Second Batch of China’s 20th Century Architectural Heritage.”

Among them, the College of Engineering was built in 1935. The entire structure is simple and elegant, constructed with strip stones, and imitates the style of Western classical architecture—an uncommon sight among buildings of the same period in Chongqing. The College of Science was built between 1930 and 1933. Designed by Shen Maode, it features an “I” shaped floor plan, axial symmetry, and an exterior that follows traditional Chinese classical architectural styles, with upturned eaves and flying rafters. It is a typical example of Chinese architects in the Republican era exploring indigenous architectural styles. During the war, the College of Science Building witnessed many significant events in the Shaci Cultural Zone. On February 6, 1938, the inaugural meeting of the Shapingba Cultural Zone Autonomous Committee was held precisely in this building.

On October 7, 2019, the early buildings of Chongqing University were included in the eighth batch of Major Historical and Cultural Sites Protected at the National Level.

Further Reading:

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