Shigu Academy (石鼓书院, Stone Drum Academy), located in Hengyang, is a significant cultural institution and one of the origins of Huxiang culture in China. Established in the fifth year of the Yuanhe era during the Tang Dynasty (810 AD), it boasts a history of over 1,200 years. In 997 AD, during the third year of the Daoda era of the Song Dynasty, a local scholar named Li Shizhen expanded the academy, transforming it into a place for scholars from Hengzhou to engage in teaching and learning.
In 1035 AD, the academy was officially granted the name “Shigu Academy” by the imperial court, earning its place alongside renowned institutions like Songyang Academy, Bailudong Academy, and Yuelu Academy, collectively known as the “Four Great Academies of China.”
Shigu Academy is composed of several notable structures, including the Wuhou Shrine, the Li Zhongjie Memorial Hall, Daguang Tower, Qixian Shrine, Jingye Hall, and Hejiang Pavilion. The entire complex covers an area of approximately 4,000 square meters, making it one of the earliest private academies in ancient China. Today, Shigu Academy serves as a traditional cultural education base in Hengyang. It regularly hosts various activities such as research seminars, performances, and rituals, continuing its legacy as a center for learning and cultural exchange.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Shigu Academy
- Vlog about Shigu Academy
- Other Notable Attractions in Hengyang
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | 20 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.30 – 17.00; Closed on Monday |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0734-8347663 |
Location and Transportation
Shigu Academy is located at No. 69, Xiangjiang North Road, Shigu District, Hengyang City, Hunan Province, China. To get there, you can take bus 183 and get off at Shigu Academy Stop (石鼓书院站).
Highlights of Shigu Academy
Mountain Gate
As you enter Shigu Academy, you will be greeted by the Mountain Gate, adorned with couplets that read, “Cultivate your name among the thousand Buddhas; find true flavor within the Five Classics.” Inside the gate stands a large stone drum, measuring 2.8 meters in height and 1.6 meters in diameter, symbolizing the academy’s enduring legacy.
Wuhou Shrine
Adjacent to the stone drum is the Wuhou Shrine, dedicated to Zhuge Liang, a famed military strategist and chancellor of the Shu Han dynasty. According to the Yitong Zhi, Zhuge Liang was stationed in Hengyang as a military advisor, overseeing the logistics of the surrounding regions. To honor his spirit of dedication and unwavering service, the shrine was established to commemorate his high moral character and contributions, originally called the Wuhou Temple, it now stands as a testament to his legacy.
Daguang Tower
Daguang Tower, built during the Ming Dynasty’s Wanli period, serves as a centerpiece of Shigu Academy. The name “Daguang” reflects the idea of ascending the tower to take in the beauty of the world. This structure fulfills two vital functions of the academy: it houses a collection of books on the upper level, while the lower level serves as a space for lectures. In front of the tower stands a statue of Confucius, emphasizing the academy’s dedication to Confucian teachings.
Huijiang Hall
Dating back to the Song Dynasty, the Huijiang Hall was originally known as the “Lecture Hall” during the Ming Dynasty and later renamed “Jingye Hall” in the Qing Dynasty. This hall is a key venue for academic discussions and lectures at the academy. Inside, wooden statues of seven prominent scholars, including Li Kuan, Han Yu, Li Shizhen, Zhou Dunyi, Zhu Xi, Zhang Xie, and Huang Wa, are displayed, celebrating their contributions to Chinese literature and philosophy.
