Is this the Zhejiang University where you once pursued your studies? (Ⅱ)

Have you ever beheld the moon’s radiant dance under the summer night sky at Puci Temple? Do memories of clear, resounding reading voices linger in your mind in Meicheng of Jiande City? Whose aspirations were solidified in the library in Taihe, Jiangxi Province? How many youthful dreams have been awakened by the waters of the swimming pool on the east side of the Xiangjiang River?

Flipping through the pages of history, across the vast and nurturing bosom of our motherland, those erstwhile campuses of Zhejiang University sparkle like a constellation of stars — each place a testament to the university’s blossoming journey, shining with a brilliance that pierces the sky.  

A national university stands majestically by River Qiantang. On the occasion of the 127th founding anniversary, Zhejiang University hosts a grand exhibition of its campuses, showcasing the tapestry of its century-spanning odyssey and inviting faculty, students, and alumni to traverse once more the arduous yet unswerving path of its glorious past.

This is Part 2 of a two-part stories about the history of Zhejiang University's campuses. 

Start afresh through strategic readjustment

(1949-1998)

On the historic day of May 3, 1949, the city of Hangzhou was liberated. In 1952, some departments of Zhejiang University were transferred to sister universities and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, while the core part that remained in Hangzhou was segmented into specialized single-discipline colleges, laying the foundation for what would evolve into the esteemed Zhejiang University, Hangzhou University, Zhejiang Agricultural University, and Zhejiang Medical University.

This period of transformation witnessed Zhejiang University metamorphose from a comprehensive university to a polytechnical university. The year 1953 marked the beginning of an ambitious project — the construction of the Laoheshan new campus on the northwest fringe of West Lake. By the close of 1956, the new campus stood basically completed.

In 1952, the Colleges of Literature and Science at Zhejiang University, the College of Arts and Science at Hangchow University, Zhejiang Normal School, and Zhejiang Russian School merged to establish Zhejiang Normal College.

In 1957, Zhejiang Normal College embarked on a new chapter as it relocated to its new campus at Daogu Bridge (now Tianmushan Road) in Hangzhou. In 1958, the CPC Zhejiang Provincial Committee spearheaded the creation of Hangzhou University, a comprehensive university. In December of that year, Hangzhou University and Zhejiang Normal College merged and were officially named “Hangzhou University.”

In 1952, the Zhejiang University College of Agriculture was independently set up as Zhejiang Agricultural College, which continued to operate on Huajiachi Campus. In March, 1960, Zhejiang Agricultural College merged with Tianmu Forestry College and Zhoushan Fisheries College to inaugurate Zhejiang Agricultural University. Except the Colleges of Zhoushan Fisheries, Tianmu Forestry, and Sericulture, other departments and research institutes, including Agricultural Machinery, Veterinary Medicine, Tea, and Crop Breeding and Cultivation Research, found their home on Huajiachi Campus.

The year 1952 also marked a pivotal moment for the Zhejiang University College of Medicine as it amalgamated with Zhejiang Provincial Medical College to establish Zhejiang Medical College. This foundation was further consolidated in 1960, with the integration of Zhejiang Traditional Chinese Medicine College, Zhejiang Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Zhejiang Traditional Chinese Medicine Institute, and Zhejiang Health Experiment Institute, culminating in the creation of Zhejiang Medical University and the Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences. In 1963, the Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences was restructured into Zhejiang Health Experiment Institute.

Blossom into a world-class university

(1998-   ) 

On September 15, 1998, a historic merging of four sister institutions — Zhejiang University, Hangzhou University, Zhejiang Agricultural University, and Zhejiang Medical University — resulted in the birth of the new Zhejiang University. From that pivotal day forward, Zhejiang University has embarked on its new journey towards building a world-class university.

Currently, Zhejiang University boasts seven campuses: Zijingang, Yuquan, Xixi, Huajiachi, Zhijiang, Zhoushan, and Haining, covering a total area of 7,390,613 square meters.

At the helm is Zijingang Campus, nestled beside the picturesque Xixi Wetland Park. It’s a place where beauty meets culture, where the spirit of innovation pairs with the zest for exploration, and where the community is groomed to possess profound intellect and expansive horizons.

Perched on the northwest fringe of West Lake, Yuquan Campus is cradled by the gentle slopes of Laoheshan and in close proximity to the lush Hangzhou Botanical Garden, covering an area of over 1200 mu. This campus is renowned for its comprehensive educational ecosystem and its wide spectrum of top-notch facilities.

Xixi Campus, located in the vibrant Huanglong Business District of Hangzhou, straddles Wenan Road with its northern and southern precincts. It is home to Sir Run Shaw Shaw Science and Education Building, the main teaching building, Tian Jiabing Building, the Art Building, and a wide array of facilities for educational, cultural, and athletic pursuits.

Huajiachi Campus, situated in the eastern part of Hangzhou’s historic downtown area and on the northern bank of the Qiantang River, is steeped in history. During wartime, the whole campus collapsed. In 1946, it underwent a comprehensive reconstruction. Present-day witnesses to its history include Western Building, Shennong Building and Leizu Building, which will continue to stand as a testament to the campus’s enduring legacy.

Zhijiang Campus, located to the south of Qinwang Mountain, was originally the campus of Hangchow University. This historic site, which played host to Zhejiang Normal College and Zhejiang Party School, was officially integrated into Zhejiang University in 1961. Since 2007, it has housed the Zhejiang University Guanghua Law School.

Zhoushan Campus, situated between Lincheng New District and Dinghai District in Zhoushan, represents a significant educational strategy and serves as a hub for its marine-related disciplines for Zhejiang University. Its architectural design blends with its natural landscape, highlighting the synergy between mountain and water elements and underscoring its “marine” identity.

Haining International Campus, the fruit of a collaborative endeavor between Zhejiang University and Haining Municipal Government, commenced its inaugural student enrollment in 2016 and reached its completion in 2017. It houses the ZJU-UoE Institute and the ZJU-UIUC Institute. These prestigious joint ventures represent the pinnacle of international cooperative education in China. With the founding of the Zhejiang University International Business School, the campus is poised to become an epicenter for state-of-the-art innovation in technology and finance.

As the currents of time ebb and flow, the epic narrative of Zhejiang University’s development captivates us. Reflecting on its rich tapestry of history, we cannot help but feel awe-inspired by each bold stride of transformation and the steadfast spirit of resilience. Charting its course from its humble beginnings to its present-day dynamism, the enduring tale of ambition continues, narrating the endeavors and triumphs of the Zhejiang University community across generations.