Tinca Rusu

Architecture/Architecture (International) (RIBA Part 1) BA(Hons)

THE FLYING TIGERS HISTORY MUSEUM

Experts studying the history of the Flying Tigers in China have discovered the largest and most concentrated cluster of relics sites related to the legendary US volunteer air squadron, which helped China fight Japanese invaders during World War II. More than 10 sites were found in Wulongpu village of Chenggong, a district of Kunming that is more than 30 kilometres from downtown Kunming. The findings were made thanks to years-long efforts, including on-site investigations, talks with witnesses and checks of memoirs and documents by a team of experts. The discovery is of important historical and cultural value, and these relics sites are testimony to the friendship and cooperation between the Chinese and US people (Li Yingqing, 2017).

The building, located in the north of the Wulong Village, on a site adjacent to the Dianchi Lake, and inspired by the traditional Chinese courtyard houses, serves as a history museum that stands as a tribute to the Flying Tigers Command. The museum is exhibiting the relics found in the village, as well as photographs, objects and artefacts related to Flying Tigers and World War II.