During the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945), Yunnan Province became the strategic rear area and vital base of operations for China’s war efforts. As the coastal and central regions of China fell to Japanese forces, Yunnan, tucked in the southwest, took on the immense responsibility of supporting the nation’s warfront. It became a refuge, a cultural hub, and a lifeline to the outside world.
Yunnan as the Wartime Academic Hub
Kunming, Yunnan’s capital, earned the distinction of being the “academic stronghold” during the war. With the destruction and occupation of many cities in eastern and central China, several prestigious universities relocated to Yunnan. Among them were Peking University, Tsinghua University, and Nankai University, which collectively formed the National Southwestern Associated University (NSAU) in Kunming. This educational institution flourished from 1938 to 1946, drawing some of the brightest minds in Chinese academia, literature, and arts.
Despite the constant threat of war and the challenges of relocation, scholars and intellectuals like Chen Yinke, Feng Youlan, Wen Yiduo, Zhu Ziqing, Shen Congwen, Qian Mu, and Wu Mi continued their work. During this time, NSAU became a beacon of knowledge and culture, preserving China’s intellectual legacy and fostering a resilient academic spirit. The university not only safeguarded Chinese cultural and academic heritage but also produced many future leaders and scholars.
Yunnan’s Geographic and Strategic Importance
As Japan expanded its occupation across China, Yunnan’s mountainous terrain became a natural fortress. The province’s rugged landscape provided a safe haven for government agencies, businesses, schools, and factories fleeing the war zones. This isolation, however, also presented a challenge—Yunnan was cut off from the rest of the world. When Japan’s invasion of Southeast Asia severed China’s last external supply routes, the country faced a dire situation. It was Yunnan’s geographical location, combined with its strategic positioning, that made it the ideal choice for a new lifeline.
Yunnan’s Lifeline: The Hump Route and Other Transport Networks
Yunnan became China’s only remaining link to the outside world after the fall of other regions. Four major transportation routes connected Yunnan with international allies: the Yunnan-Vietnam Railway, the Burma Road, the Hump Route, and the Sino-Indian Highway. Each of these routes played a crucial role in sustaining China during the war, but the most legendary of these was the Hump Route.
The Hump Route, established after the Burma Road was cut off by Japanese forces, was an air route that stretched from India, over the towering Himalayas, to Kunming. The route covered 800 kilometers (500 miles), with an elevation ranging between 4,500 to 5,500 meters (14,700 to 18,000 feet) above sea level, and in some sections, reached as high as 7,000 meters (23,000 feet). Due to the mountainous terrain, pilots had to navigate narrow valleys and snow-capped peaks, giving the route its nickname, “The Hump,” as it resembled the back of a camel.
Between 1942 and 1945, over 800,000 tons of critical supplies were transported along this perilous path. The Hump Route became a vital lifeline for China’s war effort, providing much-needed materials, equipment, and aid from international allies. Today, the legend of the Hump Route endures, echoing through the rugged mountains of Yunnan, a testament to the courage and perseverance of those who flew it.
Legacy of Yunnan’s Wartime Role
Yunnan’s contributions during this tumultuous period helped shape modern China. The province played a significant role not only as a strategic base and transportation hub but also as a cultural and intellectual stronghold. The resilience and determination shown by the people of Yunnan during these years highlight the province’s unique place in China’s modern history. From its academic legacy to the daring flights over the Himalayas, Yunnan’s wartime role remains a significant chapter in the story of China’s survival and eventual triumph during World War II.