Ba Jin Literature Academy

Ba Jin Literature Academy

The Ba Jin Literature Academy is a patriotic education base.

Established in 1983, the Ba Jin Literature Academy was founded to discover and nurture young writers, as well as to provide a space for literary and artistic professionals to exchange ideas and learn. It was officially completed on the eve of the centenary of Mr. Ba Jin's birth in 2003, with the academy's name inscribed in person by the renowned writer Bing Xin. The Ba Jin Literature Academy is a creative base of the China Writers Association, an important repository and academic base for researching Ba Jin, as well as a window for cultural exchange. Over the past 20 years, the academy has achieved remarkable results. More than 200 mid-career and young core writers have been appointed to the academy, collectively publishing over 300 full-length works. Among them, works such as A Lai’s Red Poppies, Liu Jianwei’s Breaking the Siege, Qiu Shanshan’s Waiting for You in Heaven, and Deng Xian’s The Dream of Chinese Educated Youth have had a significant impact in the literary world. During his lifetime, Ba Jin paid close attention to the growth of the young writers at the academy and frequently inquired about their creative progress.

The new building of the Ba Jin Literature Academy is located on Beigan Road in Longquanyi District, Chengdu. Designed with the architectural style of traditional Sichuanese residences, the new building covers a total floor area of 4,500 square meters, with its main structure being the Ba Jin Exhibition Hall. At the entrance stands a statue of Ba Jin along with his life motto: “Tell the truth — give your heart to the readers.” The exhibition hall houses a comprehensive collection of domestic works, photos, and artifacts related to Mr. Ba Jin. Presented across four major sections — Shining Ideals, Literary Dedication, A Warm Family, and Enduring Friendships — the exhibits offer a full portrayal of the eventful life of the centenarian Ba Jin. Among all the exhibits, the most eye-catching are the Dante International Prize medal awarded by Italy and the Commander’s Cross of the Legion of Honour from France. Coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the academy’s founding, the new building stands as a landmark cultural project and provides an excellent environment for nurturing new literary talent.

The Ba Jin Literature Academy is divided into four functional zones: A, B, C, and D. Zone A is a two-story exhibition building. Upon entering, visitors will find that the copper base for the statue on the first floor has been completed; a seated bronze statue of Ba Jin will be placed there. The second-floor hall has entered the preparatory stage for exhibition setup, with exhibition areas partitioned by wood and largely taking shape. To the right of the exhibition building is Zone B, the conference hall. The main entrance of the hall features a uniquely designed red wooden door frame topped with a gray-tiled awning, creating an old-world charm complemented by the green bamboo outside. The conference hall is equipped with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, ensuring ample natural light while adding a modern touch. To the left of the exhibition building is Zone C, the tea lounge, a space for guests to enjoy tea and leisure. Passing through a winding corridor leads to the tea lounge, which features a green lawn outside and is filled with lush bamboo inside. Zone D of the academy is the experts’ apartment, whose unique courtyard design offers a homely and welcoming feel.