Founded by Sun Yat-sen in 1924 with Soviet and Comintern support, Whampoa (Huangpu) was the first modern military academy in China. Chiang Kai-shek served as its first commandant; Zhou Enlai (later Premier of PRC) was its political director. Officers trained here led both sides of the subsequent Chinese Civil War — the 'cradle of generals' of 20th-century China. Restored in 1996 to its 1920s layout, the complex includes the Main Building (a Western-Chinese fusion academic block), the Officers' Quarters, drill grounds, and the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall. National-protected historical site; ¥0 entry on weekends (¥10 weekdays). Two ways to reach Changzhou Island: (1) Ferry from Yuzhu Pier (鱼珠码头) — 15 min, ¥1.5, runs every 20 min from 6:30-19:30; the ferry ride itself is a scenic Pearl River downstream cruise. (2) Metro Line 5 → Yuzhu (鱼珠) → bus or DiDi the last 8 km. Visit pairs well with the Pak Tsai Pagoda (黄埔古塔) and the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Park (中山公园 Huangpu) on the same island, making a half-day historic-pilgrimage trip.

Address

170 Junxiao Rd, Changzhou Island, Huangpu District, Guangzhou

黄埔区长洲岛军校路170号

Highlights

Main Academic Building1924 Western-Chinese fusion architecture — restored interior with classrooms and uniforms
Officers' QuartersSun Yat-sen, Chiang Kai-shek, and Zhou Enlai all worked from these rooms — preserved with period furnishings
Drill Grounds + Cadets' BellOriginal 1920s parade square; bell rings on the hour
Yuzhu Ferry (鱼珠码头)15-min Pearl River cruise to the island for ¥1.5 — the journey is half the experience
Pak Tsai PagodaStone pagoda 1 km from the academy — Yuanmingyuan-era; combine with the visit