On 28 May, the early summer sunlight filtered through the foliage, casting dappled light upon the mottled blue-brick walls of Yunnan Normal University’s 121st Street Campus. At 2 pm, as the final guest signed the register, a spiritual dialogue transcending time and space quietly began.

Jointly organised by the Yunnan Tengchong Scientists Forum Centre and Yunnan Baiyao Group, and hosted by Yunnan Normal University, the 2026 Tengke·Baiyao Book Club series of events officially commenced at the Southwest Associated University Museum. Representatives from the scientific, cultural and media communities, as well as universities, enterprises and various alumni organisations, gathered together at the birthplace of ‘war and song’ to jointly explore that enduring spiritual code.

Tracing the Roots: Feeling the Warmth of a Legacy Passed Down Through History

Stepping into the former site of the Southwest Associated University, it felt as though time had turned back. Led by a guide, the guests strolled through the grounds, where weathered artefacts and timeless inscriptions quietly recounted the remarkable history of the university’s faculty and students—who, amidst the turmoil of war, never ceased their scholarly pursuits and dedicated themselves to serving the nation through education. It was a period when learning continued undeterred amidst the flames of war, a testament to a group of scholars who took up their pens as weapons and steadfastly served the nation through academia. The warmth of history is palpable here; the four characters ‘Resolute and Outstanding’ are no longer merely an inscription on the university motto stone, but have transformed into a profound and moving experience that touches the soul.

In the afternoon, a sudden summer shower fell. “Back then, when it rained in the classrooms, it sounded just like thunder,” a guest murmured wistfully.

“But it was the talents of that era who upheld the backbone of China,” replied another.

In that moment, the grand narrative of history was distilled into tangible sensations and warmth, laying a profound foundation for the intellectual feast that was to follow.

A Tribute: As the school anthem rang out once more, time and space converged here

The reading session officially commenced to the melodious strains of a violin rendition of the ‘Southwest Associated University Anthem’. Attendees included Wu Baozhang, Professor at Yunnan Normal University, Vice-President of the Yunnan Normal University Alumni Association, and Honorary President of the Yunnan Provincial Society for the Study of Modern Chinese History; Zheng Guang, great-grandson of Zheng Tianting (Provost of the Southwest Associated University) and former Xinhua News Agency reporter; Zheng Yuan, grandson of Southwest Associated University alumnus Zheng Zhenduo and Honorary Director of the Zheng Zhenduo Memorial Hall; Cao Li, Tenured Professor and PhD Supervisor in the Department of Foreign Languages at Tsinghua University, Director of the Centre for European and American Literature Studies, and Founding Executive Vice-Dean and Chair of the Academic Committee at Tsinghua University’s Xinya College; Dong Ming, Vice-Chairman and President of Yunnan Baiyao Group and Chair of the Development Advisory Committee of the Tengchong Scientists Forum; Fan Baolong, former Director of the Tsinghua University Museum of History and member of the Development Advisory Committee of the Tengchong Scientists Forum; and Shang Yi, Vice-President of Yunnan Normal University and Changjiang Scholar. The event was chaired by Jiang Xiaohan, Professor at the School of Marxism, Yunnan Normal University.

Prior to the book sharing session, Ma Minxiang, Deputy Director of the Organising Committee Office of the Tengchong Scientists Forum and Vice President of the Yunnan Academy of Science and Technology, reviewed the origins and development of the Tengchong Scientists Forum and the Tengke-Baiyao Book Club, outlining the forum’s vision of empowering innovation through culture and uniting strength through spirit.

Sharing: Using Books as a Vessel, Passing on the Torch

In the subsequent sharing session, the guest speakers used books as a medium to interpret the contemporary significance of ‘resolute and outstanding’ from various perspectives.

Professor Wu Baozhang recommended *The World-Renowned Southwest Associated University*, which was named one of “Yunnan’s Top Ten Books”. He systematically expounded on the contemporary significance of the Southwest Associated University, offering an in-depth analysis of the core reasons behind its global renown, whilst also explaining why its university anthem is hailed as “the foremost anthem among China’s historic universities”.

Mr Zheng Guang, as the eldest grandson of Zheng Tianting, the University’s Registrar, recommended *Zheng Tianting’s Diary of the Southwest Associated University*. Centring on his grandfather’s diary, he shared Zheng Tianting’s academic philosophy of “seeking truth, seeking innovation, and seeking practical application”, and reconstructed the authentic details of the University’s operations, allowing the audience to experience the living history of the Southwest Associated University.

Mr Zheng Yuan, as the grandson of Mr Zheng Zhenduo, an alumnus of the Southwest Associated University, recommended *Zheng Zhenduo’s Diary (1939)*. He recounted how, during the War of Resistance, his grandfather risked his life to rescue a vast number of cultural classics whilst trapped on an ‘isolated island’. Through the diary, he reconstructed key historical facts, authentically portraying the hardships and greatness of the cultural resistance.

Professor Cao Li focused her presentation on the academic legacy of the Department of Foreign Languages at the Southwest Associated University, recommending *An Endless Affinity: A Memorial Collection for Wang Zuoliang*. Centring on the department, she used her mentor Wang Zuoliang as an example to trace his interactions with the British scholar William Yambuson, explaining that the university’s excellence lay in its educational tradition of “synthesising East and West, past and present, and integrating the humanities and sciences”.

Outlook: Seeing the Light of the Future Between the Lines

Time may pass, but the love of learning endures. At the event, guests recited classic passages from the shared books with deep emotion. The resonant sound of their voices echoed over the former site of the University, serving not only as a tribute to the sages of the past but also radiating a power that transcends the ages and illuminates the future.

Towards the conclusion of the event, Professor Fan Baolong, a member of the Development Advisory Committee of the Tengchong Scientists’ Forum, outlined the origins of the forum. Initiated by former presidents of Tsinghua, Peking and Nankai Universities as a tribute to the spirit of the Southwest Associated University, the forum has, since its inception, brought together numerous academicians and international scholars. Last year, in collaboration with Yunnan Baiyao Group, a book club was established to foster synergy between science and the humanities. It is hoped that the book club will continue to operate and expand its reach, allowing more young students to experience the spirit of the United University and ensuring that the ethos of ‘resilience and excellence’ is passed down for generations to come.

As dusk fell, after a group photograph had been taken, people lingered in small groups, reluctant to leave. Some were leafing through the books that had just been recommended, whilst others were seeking advice from the guests.

As we stepped out of the museum gates, the setting sun cast its rays upon the gates of the Southwest Associated University, creating a profound halo of light.

Indeed, as long as there are people reading these books and telling these stories, the light of idealism from eighty-nine years ago will shine forever.