Sun Yat-sen University, originally known as Guangdong University, was founded in 1924 by Dr. Sun Yat-sen (also called Sun Zhongshan), a great democratic revolutionary leader of the 20th century. The University is located in Guangdong Province, an area neighboring Hong Kong and Macao, which is at the forefront of China’s reform and opening up.

It has about 82,384 students studying on four campuses in Guangzhou and Zhuhai. Benefiting from its location near Hong Kong and Macao and the regional advantage of opening and economic development, the university has become an important base for training high-level talents, scientific research, providing services to society and inheriting cultural traditions.

The University has also successfully built international cooperation and exchange relationships with many top universities in the world. According to the Times Higher Education World University Ranking for 2010-2011, Sun Yat-sen University was ranked in the top 200 in the world.

About Guangzhou and Zhuhai

Guangzhou, historically known as Canton or Kwangchow, is the capital and largest city of Guangdong Province.

Located in the middle of Guangzhou Province, north of the Pearl River Delta, Guangzhou is close to the South China Sea, Hong Kong and Macau. Guangzhou is called China’s South Gate for its exceptional geographical advantages.

Guangzhou enjoys a subtropical climate. Year-round temperatures average 22°C, with August being the hottest month when the temperature averages 28°C and January the coldest at an average of 13°C. The rainy season is from April to August. Summer is relatively long in Guangzhou with the highest temperature reaching about 37°C.

Zhuhai borders the Macau Special Administrative Region (north and west), and is 140 km southwest of Guangzhou. Its territory counts 146 islands and a coastline of 690 km.

Zhuhai has a humid subtropical climate moderated by the South China Sea, with long, hot and humid summers with frequent thunderstorms, and short, mild and dry winters. Average highs in January and July are 18°C and 32°C respectively. It never snows and a frost has never been recorded in the city centre. Conversely, extreme heat waves do not occur as they do further inland.

Campuses

Guangzhou South Campus

The Guangzhou South Campus is the main campus, with a total area of 1.208 square kilometers. The campus is divided from east to west into three regions of student dormitories and recreational facilities, teaching and research blocks and staff quarters. The campus grounds are also quite unique in its magnificent and historic foliage. The emphasis of the South Campus is fundamental subject education.

Address: No. 135, Xingang Xi Road, Guangzhou, 510275, P. R. China

Guangzhou North Campus

The Guangzhou North Campus is located in downtown Guangzhou city and covers an area of 0.203 square kilometers. The campus is divided into teaching and research area, student area and faculty and staff area (Zhusi Village). It is a campus mainly for disciplines in medical sciences.

Address: No. 74, Zhongshan Er Road, Guangzhou, 510085, P. R. China

Zhuhai Campus

The Zhuhai Campus covers an area of 3.571 square kilometers and is divided into two neighborhoods: Li Garden and Rong Garden. It lies against the seaside hills, with captivating views of the sea. In order to continue to improve educational quality, Zhuhai Campus emphasizes new, emerging subjects and joint education with foreign universities as well as universities in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan.

Address: Tang Jia Wan, Zhuhai, 519082, P. R. China

Guangzhou East Campus

The Guangzhou East Campus is located at the University City (Higher Education Mega Center) in the east part of Guangzhou city and covers an area of 0.989 square kilometers. The Guangzhou University City is a major development made by the People’s Government of Guangdong Province in an effort to strengthen Guangdong through science and education. The first batch of students started school there in September, 2004. The East Campus emphasizes applied sciences.

Address: Xiaoguwei Island, Panyu District, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China

Living in University

Arts

Sun Yat-sen University Student Chorus

Founded in 1995, the SYSU Student Chorus has become a well-organized student society. It provides a stage for music enthusiasts to show their talents and perfect their performing skills.

Sun Yat-sen University Ritual Team

The Ritual Team of South Campus, guided by the SYSU Youth Association, is a professional team which provides professional etiquette services for the University’s various large and medium-sized activities. It undertakes the ceremonial reception work of celebrations, welcome parties, sports meetings, contests and awards ceremonies where the students fully demonstrate the elegance and temperament as Miss Manners.

Sun Yat-sen University Student Dance Troupe 

Directly under the SYSU Youth Association, the Student Dance Troupe is a major brand society of SYSU. The love for arts and passion for dancing have kept the troupe growing greater and stronger ever since it was founded seventeen years ago.

Sun Yat-sen University Chinese Orchestra

SYSU Chinese Orchestra, founded in 2003, is under the leadership of the SYSU Youth Association. It gathers together a group of young people who share the same passion for classical Chinese music and instruments. Featured with all kinds of Chinese instruments, it provides a platform for students to get closer to classical Chinese arts.

Sun Yat-sen University Dramatic Association

As one of the top six art societies in our university, SYSU Dramatic Association has a history of over 20 years and enjoys great popularity across four campuses. It is under the leadership of the SYSU Youth Association. Several directors, with a bunch of talented students, participate in drama management and performance organization. It offers a great chance for students to perform themselves and enjoy the beauty of drama in their daily life.

Sun Yat-sen University Symphony Orchestra

Founded in 2000, the SYSU Symphony Orchestra is one of the top six art societies directly under the SYSU Youth Association. Here the excellent music lovers get together and make it a vibrant society.

Athletics

Lingnan University, one of the predecessors of SYSU, is a pioneer of western sports. At the end of Qing Dynasty, Lingnan University carried out various sports activities such as football, tennis, baseball, athletics and swimming, and won many team champions in the Sports Meeting of Guangdong Province.

Sports Venues and Facilities

There are plenty of sports facilities on campus, including swimming pools, a gymnasium, a football field and tennis field. Some of these facilities may charge fees, but at a very low price.