Marking the 75th anniversary of East China Normal University (ECNU), the 101st anniversary of its predecessor Kwang Hua University, and the 20th anniversary of ECNU’s main relocation to the Minhang Campus, the renovation project for the west gate and surrounding areas of ECNU Minhang Campus was completed after ten months of construction. The newly-built Kwang Hua Gate was officially unveiled on September 2.
More than a campus environmental initiative to refurbish the campus gateway and upgrade its surroundings, the project renders the century-old academic legacy tangible and sustains ECNU’s spirit across generations.
The new west gate arch replicates the design of the original Zhongshan Road gate of Kwang Hua University. Featuring a traditional wooden framework reinforced with modern structural techniques, it elegantly integrates traditional Chinese craftsmanship with contemporary engineering standards.
On the morning of September 2, witnessed by faculty, students and alumni, Ma Yugang, President of East China Normal University, activated the ceremonial opening switch to inaugurate Kwang Hua Gate, the new west gateway of the Minhang Campus.
On behalf of the university, Ma Yugang extended sincere gratitude to faculty, students, alumni, donors and builders who have cared for and supported the university’s development and the project construction. Moving forward, the Gate will stand as a new campus landmark integrating scenic value, space for faculty-student activities and university history exhibition.
“No matter how far we go, the university will always be our spiritual home,” Cheng Jing, donor and 1989 Biology alumnus of ECNU remarked. “It is my great honour to take part in this campus renovation project. This gift marks the university’s 75th anniversary and conveys our long-standing gratitude and affection for ECNU. I hope every student who walks through this gate can feel the warmth and vitality of the university’s progress.”
Li Ming, another donor, spoke highly of ECNU’s profound humanistic heritage in his address. “ECNU has cultivated generations of outstanding talents for the nation. Its sense of mission and devotion has long struck a deep chord with me. Supporting educational advancement is part of an enterprise’s social responsibility. May this new gate continue to safeguard ECNU’s scholarly legacy and bear witness to its students’ youthful growth.”
The Gate renovation and surrounding environmental improvement project covers a land area of approximately 11,000 square meters. Besides the newly-built Kwang Hua Gate, the project scope encompasses construction of the bridge widening, plaza development, night time landscape lighting, water supply and power lighting facilities, overall refurbishment works, renewal of surrounding landscapes and green spaces.
