The Former Site of the Yunnan Military Academy (云南陆军讲武堂) holds a significant place in China’s modern military history. Founded in 1909, this prestigious academy produced hundreds of military leaders, including two marshals, over twenty generals, and many influential figures like Zhu De and Ye Jianying. It also trained commanders from three different countries’ armies and a defense minister, making it a remarkable institution for fostering military talent. If you are in Kunming, this historical site offers a fascinating glimpse into China’s military past, featuring exhibitions, original documents, and interactive events.
Visiting the Academy: Key Information
Location: The Yunnan Military Academy is located at 22 Cuihu West Road, Kunming (云南省昆明市翠湖西路22号), conveniently near Kunming’s Cuihu Lake.
Opening Hours: The academy is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:00 AM to 5:10 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM). It is closed on Mondays, except during public holidays.
Reservations: No prior reservation is required to visit the academy. However, it is recommended to follow the “Yunnan Military Academy” WeChat account (云南陆军讲武堂) for updates, especially for temporary closures or special events.
Transportation Guide: Parking near the site is limited, so public transportation is highly recommended.
- Bus Routes: You can take bus numbers 100, 101, 133, 235, or Z5 and get off near the academy.
- Subway: The nearest subway station is Panjiawan Station (潘家湾站) on Line 3. From there, it’s a 1.2-kilometer walk toward Cuihu Lake.
Key Attractions and Activities
Changing of the Guard Drill
Every day, visitors can witness a traditional Changing of the Guard Drill, which takes place six times daily at 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, and 4:00 PM. To get the best view, it’s recommended to find a spot near the security checkpoint at least five minutes before the drill starts.
“A Century of Military Education” Exhibition
One of the highlights is the “Century-old Military School, Cradle of Commanders” exhibition, with free guided tours available at 10:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 3:00 PM. The exhibition includes historical photographs, military equipment, written documents, and even uniforms and personal notebooks of former cadets. Visitors can also see reconstructions of key moments like the Battle of Taierzhuang and Japan’s surrender after World War II. This exhibition takes place where visitors rent headsets for the audio tour.
Chinese Expeditionary Force Exhibition
On the opposite side of the academy grounds is the Chinese Expeditionary Force Exhibition. Guided tours are offered at 11:00 AM, lasting about 30 minutes. This exhibit commemorates the valiant efforts of the Chinese Expeditionary Force, which left Yunnan to join Allied forces in Burma during the Anti-Japanese War. Their courageous efforts played a critical role in the victory against the Axis powers during World War II.
Souvenir Stamps: A Fun Collectible Experience
The Yunnan Military Academy offers a unique activity for stamp collectors. Visitors can gather souvenir stamps at various points throughout the museum and cultural store.
Stamp Collection Points:
- Security Guard’s Black Stamp: Available at the end of the art exhibition on a table.
- Cultural Store: A wide variety of free stamps are available in the museum’s cultural store.
- Second-Floor Archway: Underneath the archway leading to the second-floor exhibit, there’s an automatic vending machine where you can buy a stamp puzzle set for ¥39, containing six stamp cards. As you visit different corners of the second floor, match the stamps to the design on the cards. If any stamps are faint, the cultural store staff can help you re-ink them. The final stamp is located near the post office on the first floor.
- Cultural Store’s Military Academy Certificate: For ¥59, visitors can purchase a Military Academy Student ID that contains historical introductions and old photographs of various military branches. The final stamp collection for this certificate can be completed at the cultural store, where they’ll stamp all necessary sections for you.