1.Establishing the observatory

The Observatory of the NSYSU was completed in March 1929 and its inaugural ceremony was held in June. Professor Zhang Yun was appointed as the head of the observatory. It was China’s first university observatory and Guangdong’s first observatory. In 1938, a new observatory was completed on the new Shipai Campus of the University. In 1940, the NSYSU relocated to Pingshi Town, Lechang City, before the completion of another observatory.

Photo 1: Former Observatory of the NSYSU (Wenming Road)

Photo 2: Observatory of the NSYSU in construction in 1937 (the new Shipai Campus)

Photo 3: Observatory Ruins of the NSYSU (Pingshi)

2.The Geological Survey Institute of Guangdong and Guangxi became subordinated to the NSYSU

In April 1929, the Geological Survey Institute of Guangdong and Guangxi became subordinated to the Department of Geology of the NSYSU, with Zhu Jiahua as the head.

Photo: The 5th anniversary of the establishment of the Geological Survey Institute of Guangdong and Guangxi

3.Setting up the Department of Geography

In June 1929, the NSYSU set up the Department of Geography, one of the oldest geography departments in Chinese universities. The first head of the department was the German Professor Wilhelm Credner.

Photo: Wilhelm Credner, Head of the Department of Geography

4.Board of directors of the NSYSU was established

In September 1929, the 37th Meeting of the Standing Committee of the Central Executive Committee of the Kuomintang approved the Four Measures for Maintaining and Constructing the National Sun Yat-sen University and established the board of directors for the University. Directors comprised Chiang Kai-shek, Hu Hanmin, Tan Yankai, T. V. Soong, Gu Yingfen, Sun Fo, Chen Mingshu, Zhu Jiahua, and Dai Jitao, with Dai Jitao as the Chairman of the board.

Photo 1: Order on the Four Measures for Maintaining and Constructing the National Sun Yat-sen University by the Nanjing National Government

Photo 2: Board of directors of the NSYSU