The spiritual haven of the giants of the National Southwestern Associated University (NSAU)

On the bluestone-paved streets of Kunming's old street—Wenming New Street, bustling with people, there lies a tranquil place akin to a paradise hidden from the world, known as the Oriental Bookstore. This bookstore was established in 1926 by Hu Shi's student Wang Shisun and was rebuilt in 2018 in its original style, having witnessed nearly a century. 🌟 Highlights: During the war, Peking University, Tsinghua University, and Nankai University jointly established the NSAU in Kunming, making the city a cultural center in the wartime rear. Scholars and masters gathered by the shores of Green Lake, shuttling through the old streets of Kunming. A large number of students and literati frequented the Oriental Bookstore to exchange old books and share ideas. This place is where Lin Huiyin wrote 'Half hidden, half protruding, standing at the corner of the street' in 'The Little Building', and Wang Zengqi watched 'The grass is deep in city's spring, and grows long in the early summer' in 'The Rain in Kunming'. 🌟 Highlights: After the reconstruction of the bookstore, many retro styles were preserved, including many thoughtful little details. There's a Republic of China-style mailbox at the entrance, a spiral staircase built from a wall of books, old-fashioned chairs carved with butterfly patterns, and emerald-green glazed table lamps. It's perfect for ordering a cup of coffee downstairs, finding a window seat, picking a book by the faculty and students of the NSAU, and immersing oneself in a refreshing Yunnan leisure time. 👍 Most recommended: After ascending the stairs to the second floor, on the left-hand side, there is a door leading to a hidden area of the bookstore, with a vintage and exquisite setup that seems to transport you back to the NSAU era's Oriental Bookstore in Kunming. Here, there are recreated studies of Wang Zengqi and Lin Huiyin, with simple furnishings yet full of the ambiance of books. Further back in the attic, there are several tea rooms, and this area is sometimes open to the public for free.