Visit the Former Site of Qiongya First University to explore the historical buildings and learn about the early educational history of Hainan. You can also stroll through the scenic campus grounds, which have been well-preserved, offering a glimpse into the past educational environment in the region.

No. 131, Zhulinli, Jiefang West Road, Haikou—the ancestral home of Mr. Qiu Bingheng—was the site of the First Qiongya Congress of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in June 1926. Starting in 1924, Qiu Bingheng, the owner of the Qiu residence, provided the residence to the Qiongya CCP as a liaison point for revolutionary activities, serving as the inspiration for the 23-year revolutionary struggle in Qiongya.
This is a typical northern Hainan residence, a brick and wood quadrangle with two entrances and three rooms. The main house faces south, with side rooms to the east and west. Passing through the porch on the left side of the main courtyard, you can see the courtyard where the old house was located. Here, a 30-meter-long, 3-meter-high relief engraved with the inscription "The Source of the 23-Year Red Flag Flying on Hainan Island" vividly depicts the history of the Qiongya People's Revolutionary Armed Forces, under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, through the Agrarian Revolution, the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and the War of Liberation, leading to the liberation of Hainan Island. It holds great patriotic educational significance.
tropical monsoon climate;
Suitable for all seasons
It is recommended to visit for about 1 hour
free
8:00-18:00
The Former Site of Qiongya First University holds great historical significance as one of the first institutions of higher learning in Hainan. Founded in 1909, it played a key role in modernizing education in the region during the late Qing Dynasty and the early Republican period.
It is located in Wenchang, Hainan. You can reach it by taxi from the city center or take a local bus that connects Wenchang's main attractions. It is also within walking distance from other local landmarks in the town.
The site is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is in the morning or late afternoon when the weather is cooler, and you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the university grounds.
Entrance to the site is free of charge, making it a great budget-friendly cultural experience. Tickets are not required, but donations are appreciated for maintaining the site.
Advance booking is not required for this site as it is free entry. However, if you are visiting as part of a larger group or on a guided tour, it may be wise to contact the site in advance to arrange for special accommodations.
A visit typically takes around 1 to 2 hours, depending on your pace. This allows enough time to explore the historical buildings, take photos, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
The main highlight is the well-preserved university buildings, including old classrooms and administrative offices. The surrounding grounds also offer a glimpse into the early 20th-century campus life, with historical markers detailing the university's history.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and the guides provide in-depth information about the university’s history and significance. Audio guides in other languages may not be available, so it’s best to check ahead if you require one.
The best photography spots are around the old buildings, especially with the backdrop of the well-maintained campus and gardens. The historic architecture provides a perfect setting for photos.
Start with a walk around the main university buildings, then visit the historical markers placed around the campus that tell the story of the university. Afterward, take some time to relax in the campus gardens.
The site does not offer night visits or light shows. It’s primarily a daytime cultural and historical attraction.
The site tends to be quiet, even during weekends. To avoid any crowds, it's best to visit on weekdays, especially in the mornings.
There are basic facilities, including clean restrooms and small rest areas. However, there are no food stalls or shops within the site, so it’s advisable to bring your own snacks or drinks, especially if you plan to stay for a while.
The site is mostly accessible for elderly visitors and children. However, certain areas may not be ideal for those with mobility issues, as the campus is slightly uneven in parts. It’s best to check with the site for specific accessibility accommodations.
Cash is not necessary since the site is free, but it’s always useful for donations. Most nearby shops and restaurants accept mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay.
There are several local restaurants nearby offering traditional Hainanese cuisine, including seafood and noodle dishes. A café inside the Wenchang city center offers light refreshments.
Vegetarian and vegan options can be found in nearby restaurants. Halal food options are limited, but you can find local eateries that cater to dietary preferences.
Nearby accommodations include budget guesthouses and mid-range hotels in Wenchang city. The most notable is the Wenchang Hotel, which offers modern amenities and is about a 15-minute drive from the site.
Nearby attractions include the Wenchang Confucian Temple and Dongshan Ridge. You can easily combine these with a visit to the Former Site of Qiongya First University in a day trip.
There are no souvenir shops on-site, but nearby markets and shops sell traditional Hainanese crafts, such as coconut shell products, local tea, and handmade textiles.
To continue your trip, taxis or local buses are the best options for traveling to other nearby attractions or back to the city center. For longer trips, renting a car can offer more flexibility.