Swasey Hall is a landmark of the campus.[Photo: Agencies]

Locals like to sit on the campus lawn and enjoy the warm sunshine.[Photo: Agencies]

By Xie Xiaoguang

Located on the south bank of the Pearl River in Guangzhou, southern China, Sun Yat-sen University is regarded as a paradise for both students and local residents. Numerous students long for the opportunity to study at this top-10 university of China. Locals enjoy spending a few hours strolling on the tranquil campus in the company of age-old buildings.

Affected by the open spirit of Guangzhou, long at the forefront of China's reform and opening up, Sun Yat-sen University has accepted different academic and cultural traditions and integrated them together. It is open to all new ideas.

The university was founded in 1924 by Dr. Sun Yat-sen, a great leader of the 20th century. His calligraphy reading "Study extensively; enquire accurately; reflect carefully; discriminate clearly; practice earnestly" is visible on the axis of the campus as the school motto. Originally named Guangdong University, it was later renamed Sun Yat-sen University in 1926. Now it covers a total area of 6.17 square kilometers and includes four campuses.

Indeed, Guangzhou South Campus has a history of more than 100 years. It is the original site of Lingnan University, a school founded by American missionaries. The two universities merged in the 1950s, and Sun Yat-sen University moved here from Shipai, north of Guangzhou.

Traditional Chinese architectural styles have been kept and mixed with Western elements on the campus. If you look at the detail on the flying eaves, you will find that the mythical animals that often stand there have been replaced by ordinary animals such as dogs and cats. That little change shows the open attitude at this university.