Sun Yat-sen University

Overview

Sun Yat-sen University (中山大学) is one of China's top-tier universities, founded by Sun Yat-sen in 1924. Its South Campus on the north bank of the Pearl River features a stunning ensemble of red-brick colonial-era buildings surrounded by ancient banyan trees.

Highlights

• Huai Shi Hall: The oldest building on campus, a 1904 red-brick structure designed by American architects.
• Banyan Avenue: A magnificent double row of century-old banyan trees forming a green tunnel through the campus centre.
• Pearl River Waterfront: Riverside paths with views of the Haizhu Bridge and the city skyline.

History

Sun Yat-sen founded Guangdong University in 1924, shortly renamed National Sun Yat-sen University. The south campus buildings were originally part of Lingnan University, a Christian institution founded in 1888.

Visitor Tips

• Open Campus: Public access to grounds; ID registration at the gate.
• Cherry Blossoms: The campus has a small cherry grove that blooms in February.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.