As the gentle breeze of spring breathes new life into the campus, there is no better timeto visit to Sun Yat-sen University's iconic Red Buildings.
With a legacy spanning over a century, SYSU is graced by nearly one hundred historic red-brick structures. The South Campus—affectionately known as the Honglok Campus—treasures seventy-four of these edifices from the Lingnan University era, forming a collection of heritage architecture unparalleled in China.
More than just physical assets, these buildings are silent witnesses to the evolution of Chinese higher education and enduring landmarks of a nation's cultural transformation.
A Living Heritage
Having stood the test of seasons and centuries, they remain silent sentinels of history. With their striking red brick and green glazed tiles, they bear witness to the fleeting nature of time, serving as the spiritual home for generations of students and a steadfast sanctuary for alumni looking back in their golden years.
Though they stand in silence, they speak volumes. These structures have been designated as Cultural Relics Protection Units by Guangdong Province and listed among Guangzhou's outstanding modern architectural heritage. Yet, they are not mere museum relics; today, they remain the heartbeat of the university's teaching and administration. It is this vibrant, living quality that elevates them far beyond the status of mere architectural specimens.
Unlock Stories of Red Buildings
Following the university's 99th anniversary, the "Century SYSU, Centennial Red Buildings" project team was established to meticulously catalog the heritage architecture across both campuses. Over the course of a year, the team designed bespoke plaques for each building, allowing students, faculty, and visitors to unlock architectural narratives simply by scanning a QR code.
Furthermore, the team developed the "SYSU Red Buildings Stories" mini-program, offering precise navigation, curated touring routes, and cultural mementos. Future enhancements will bring history to one's fingertips through pre-booked guided tours and immersive virtual experiences.
Simply scan the QR code on the plaque of any Red Building to access detailed narration and stories. You can also search for a building by name within the mini-program to learn about its history and significance.
Easily find your way around campus by searching for specific buildings. If you're not sure where to start, try one of the four recommended touring routes, each designed around a different historical theme.
Every endeavor on campus ultimately centers on education. The project has mobilized volunteer docents, brought the stories of the Red Buildings into local schools, and organized orienteering events. Using this architecture as a medium, these initiatives guide the community to appreciate the profound spiritual strength embodied within these walls, thereby bolstering cultural confidence and fostering cross-cultural dialogue. Indeed, a great campus serves as the finest textbook.
The story of the Red Buildings is far from over. It is our hope that students, faculty, and alumni alike will come to realize that these buildings are legible texts, that this campus possesses profound historical depth, and that belonging to SYSU is a source of immense pride.
History isn't just behind us—it's all around us. Step into the red-brick legacy and find your own story at SYSU.
Source: Office of the SYSU CPC Committee, SYSU Global Communication Office
