Wing Kwong Hall

Wing Kwong Hall

A student dormitory donated by a group of Lingnan University alumni including Mok Kin Sang and Lam Zhi Ho. Completed in 1924. Later named “Wing Kwong Hall” in honor of Dr. Chung Wing Kwong, the first Chinese president of Lingnan University. Originally a four-story building (including a basement), an additional floor was added in the 1970s.

Not far to the south of the Ma Ying Biu Hostel, you’ll unexpectedly come across an elegant Western restaurant — Wing Kwong Hall. Located at No. 350 in the Northeast Area, its main northern entrance features a marble plaque inscribed with the characters “荣光堂” (Wing Kwong Hall) in regular script by Professor Rong Geng. The bold yet dignified calligraphy is recessed and gilded, positioned just left of center with only the signature “Rong Geng” at the bottom. The gold-lettered inscription stands out beautifully against the white marble and red brick.

In the early days of Lingnan University, most buildings were donated by Western individuals. After the university came under Chinese administration in August 1927, its first Chinese president, Dr. Chung Wing Kwong, believed that “in educating the Chinese people, we Chinese should also take our share of responsibility.” He shifted the university’s original mission from “primarily cultivating Christians” to “governing the school with the Christian spirit,” aiming to nurture talent according to China’s local conditions and needs. He therefore traveled around the world to appeal to overseas Chinese for generous donations, prompting widespread support and resulting in the construction of dozens of school buildings. Moved by Dr. Chung’s contributions to Lingnan, nine alumni including Mok Kin Sang and Lam Zhi Ho initiated the construction of a university dormitory, completed in 1924 as the second dormitory for Lingnan students. It was named “Wing Kwong Hall” in his honor.

At the age of 70, Dr. Chung Wing Kwong composed his own epitaph: “Thirty years lost in the imperial examinations, but since realizing my sins and repenting, I have led revolutions without party honors, held office without political achievements, studied abroad without earning degrees. My talents may have fallen short of those who came after, but in one endeavor I gave my all — devoting myself to Lingnan until death. Traveling across both hemispheres by ship and train became second nature, but I found joy only in completing my missions. I hoarded no private wealth, lived modestly, raised no children but had many followers, sought no fame but left records behind. The soul is the true self. After much hardship, I shall return in glory to eternal life with Christ.” This serves as the most authentic portrayal of him.

“Record of the Renovation of Wing Kwong Hall” Since Lingnan University selected

Henan Kang Lok as its permanent campus site in 1904, the university authorities embarked on large-scale construction. Early campus buildings were mostly donated by Western individuals. Dr. Chung Wing Kwong believed that educating the Chinese people was also the responsibility of the Chinese, so in the early years of the Republic, he traveled between the Eastern and Western hemispheres, calling on overseas Chinese for generous donations. People from all walks of life responded enthusiastically, leading to the construction of dozens of school buildings with remarkable results. Deeply moved by Dr. Chung’s contributions to Lingnan, alumni initiated the construction of a university dormitory, which was completed in 1924 and named Wing Kwong Hall in commemoration. With the establishment and growing success of the Lingnan (University) College, visiting alumni and scholars often felt time was too limited for extended stays. Noting this, the Board of Directors launched a renovation of Wing Kwong Hall several years ago, converting it into a guesthouse to complement Ling Nan Hall and serve as conference facilities. Thanks to generous donations from dedicated alumni, the project was successfully completed. This plaque is erected to preserve the memory forever.

— Erected by the Board of Directors of Sun Yat-sen University’s Lingnan College, December 5, 1999