The Architectural Complex of Sun Yat-sen University’s Former Shiqi Campus

The Architectural Complex of Sun Yat-sen University’s Former Shiqi Campus

The Architectural Complex of Sun Yat-sen University’s Former Shiqi Campus is a protected cultural heritage site in Guangzhou.

Originally named Guangdong University, Sun Yat-sen University was founded in the 13th year of the Republic of China (1924). In 1926, it was renamed National Sun Yat-sen University in honor of Dr. Sun Yat-sen. Between 1931 and 1937, following Dr. Sun’s instructions before his passing, a new campus and its architectural complex were constructed for the university in Shiqi, Guangzhou. In 1952, during the national restructuring of higher education institutions, Sun Yat-sen University moved to Kangyuan Garden, while the Sun Yat-sen Medical College remained at its original site in Dongshan (later renamed Sun Yat-sen University of Medical Sciences, which has now merged with Sun Yat-sen University). Institutions such as the South China Institute of Technology (now South China University of Technology) and the South China Institute of Agriculture (now South China Agricultural University) continued to operate on the former Shiqi campus of Sun Yat-sen University.

Main Gate Archway

Sun Yat-sen University operated in Shiqi for 18 years. The current site mainly belongs to South China University of Technology and South China Agricultural University. Major structures include the main gate archway, as well as the gymnasium, College of Liberal Arts, College of Engineering, College of Law, and College of Architecture (now part of South China University of Technology), and the College of Agriculture and College of Biology (now part of South China Agricultural University), along with other auxiliary buildings.

Liu Yi Pavilion

Founded personally by Dr. Sun Yat-sen, Sun Yat-sen University holds an important position in the history of Chinese education, intellectual culture, and science and technology. The planning and construction of its Shiqi campus and architectural complex also occupy a special place in the history of modern Chinese architecture. The buildings are not only grand and imposing in scale, but also feature elegant designs, intricate decorations, and a harmonious blend of Chinese and Western styles. The overall structure is predominantly Chinese in form, with Western techniques often used in detailing—applied skillfully and naturally. It is the largest and best-preserved large-scale architectural complex from the Republican era in the Tianhe area, possessing significant historical, artistic, and scientific value.

Liu Yi Pavilion

In July 2002, the People’s Government of Guangzhou Municipality designated the Architectural Complex of Sun Yat-sen University’s Former Shiqi Campus as a cultural heritage protection unit.

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of Guangzhou Municipal Cultural Heritage Protection Units