Yuelu Academy – One of the Four Ancient Academies in China

Originally known as the “Central Gate” during the Song Dynasty, this entrance was once referred to as “Hongmen” due to the presence of a stone arch near the riverbank. The current gate, rebuilt in 1868 during the Tongzhi reign of the Qing Dynasty, features a Southern-style general’s gate structure. It stands atop twelve steps and includes five rooms with gabled roofs, three mountain-screen walls, and a pair of square pillars at the front. The white walls and black-tiled roof are adorned with glazed drip tiles and an intricately designed roof ridge featuring dragons playing with a Taiji symbol, intertwined with grass and cloud patterns. The overall design is imposing yet elegant.

The inscription “岳麓书院” above the gate is in the calligraphy of Emperor Zhenzong of the Song Dynasty. In 1015, Emperor Zhenzong, impressed by the academy’s educational achievements and the virtuous reputation of its headmaster, Zhou Shi, summoned Zhou to the capital and offered him an official position. However, Zhou’s heart remained with Yuelu Academy, and he requested to return. In recognition of the academy’s excellence, the emperor personally inscribed “Yuelu Academy” and gifted the plaque to be hung above the main gate, along with books and other items. This royal recognition propelled Yuelu Academy to fame, making it one of the four great academies of the Northern Song Dynasty, attracting countless scholars over the centuries.

Located behind the main gate, the Second Gate originally served as the site of the Ritual Hall during the Song and Yuan Dynasties. In the first year of the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty (1527), the academy expanded the Confucian Temple to the left side of the courtyard, and the Second Gate was constructed in its current form. This gate features a single-eaved, hanging mountain-style roof with five rooms, the central three of which form the main entrances. The door frames are made of granite, with passageways on either side leading to the southern and northern wings.

The Second Gate was destroyed by Japanese bombing during the Second Sino-Japanese War and was rebuilt in 1984. Above the gate hangs a plaque with the inscription “名山坛席,” though the author is unknown. The original plaque was placed in 1868 during the Tongzhi reign of the Qing Dynasty but was destroyed during the war. The current plaque, recreated in 1984, features characters by He Shaoji, a renowned calligrapher from Hunan in the Qing Dynasty. Flanking the gate is a couplet: “纳于大麓; 藏之名山.” The couplet suggests that Yuelu Academy is enveloped by the grand natural surroundings of Yuelu Mountain, hidden within its vast and resource-rich environment.

On the reverse side of the Second Gate hangs another plaque with the inscription “潇湘槐市 Xiaoxiang Huai Shi,” originally penned by Cheng Songwan but destroyed during the war. The new plaque was rewritten by Chu Tunan, former Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress. “Xiaoxiang” broadly refers to Hunan, while “Xiaoxiang Huai Shi” metaphorically describes Yuelu Academy as a gathering place for Hunan’s literati and scholars, comparable to the flourishing Taixue Huaishi of Chang’an during the Han Dynasty.

The Lecture Hall, situated at the heart of Yuelu Academy, is the central venue for teaching and significant events, representing the core of the academy. Since its establishment in the ninth year of the Kaibao reign of the Northern Song Dynasty (976 AD), the Lecture Hall has been a key feature, originally comprising five rooms. In the third year of the Qiandao reign of the Southern Song Dynasty (1167 AD), prominent Neo-Confucian scholars Zhang Shi and Zhu Xi held a historic joint lecture here, pioneering the tradition of academic discussions in Chinese academies.

Above the eaves hangs a plaque inscribed with “实事求是 Seek Truth from Facts,” written by Bin Buchen, the president of Hunan Industrial School in the early Republican era. This phrase, originating from the Book of Han, was adopted as the school’s motto to encourage students to value science and pursue truth.

In the center of the hall, two gilded wooden plaques are displayed. The first, “学达性天 Learning Extends to the Heavenly Way,” was bestowed by Emperor Kangxi, encouraging the promotion of Neo-Confucianism and self-cultivation. Although the original plaque was destroyed, it was re-carved in 1983 based on Kangxi’s calligraphy. The second plaque, “道南正脉 The Orthodox Lineage of the Southern School,” was gifted by Emperor Qianlong, signifying the highest imperial recognition of Yuelu Academy’s role in the dissemination of Neo-Confucianism, affirming its significant place in Chinese intellectual history.

The walls of the Lecture Hall are adorned with valuable inscribed stone tablets, including one inscribed by Zhu Xi and carved by the Qing Dynasty headmaster Ouyang Houjun with the virtues of “忠孝廉节 Loyalty, Filial Piety, Integrity, and Righteousness,” and another by Ouyang Zhenghuan, inscribed with “整齐严肃 Orderliness and Solemnity.” There are also numerous other important tablets, such as the “Yuelu Academy Regulations” and “Reading Methods,” penned by Qing Dynasty headmaster Wang Wenqing.

Flanking the Lecture Hall are two significant buildings: the Teaching Study and the Semi-Teaching Study, known as the South and North Studies, respectively. These buildings served as dormitories and study areas for teachers and students, where students spent much of their time in self-study. The tradition of building study halls at Yuelu Academy dates back to the ninth year of the Kaibao reign of Emperor Taizu of the Song Dynasty (976 AD) when 52 study rooms were initially constructed. The current structures were rebuilt during the 29th year of Emperor Guangxu’s reign (1903) when Yuelu Academy was converted into a modern school, and the names Teaching Study and Semi-Teaching Study were officially designated to meet the needs of teaching and administration. The name “Teaching Study” originates from the Book of Rites, while “Semi-Teaching Study” is derived from the Book of Documents.

The Xiangshui Hall for Classics, located to the left of the Lecture Hall, was originally known as Chengde Hall and also served as a lecture hall within the academy. It was first built in the sixth year of the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty (1527). In the 11th year of the Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty (1831), Hunan Governor Wu Rongguang established the Xiangshui Hall for Classics at the site of what is now Chuanshan Shrine, personally inscribing the hall’s name. The Xiangshui Hall for Classics operated within Yuelu Academy for 45 years until the first year of the Guangxu reign (1875), when it was relocated near Tianxin Pavilion in the southern part of the city. The original site was then converted into Chuanshan Shrine, with Wu Rongguang’s inscribed plaque “湘水校经堂 Xiangshui Hall for Classics” preserved in Mingde Hall as a commemorative piece.

Minglun Hall at Yuelu Academy has a rich history dating back to the second year of the Zhengde reign of the Ming Dynasty (1507). At that time, Daoist Wushi Zhong, inspired by the official schools of counties and prefectures, dismantled the academy’s Dacheng Hall to expand the Confucian Temple to the left of the academy and built Minglun Hall behind Dacheng Hall. However, this structure was soon destroyed. It was rebuilt during the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty, and in the 18th year of Jiajing (1539), Governor Ji Ben appointed Xiong Yu as the head of the academy, who gave lectures at Minglun Hall. The following year, during the Gengzi Imperial Examination, ten students from the academy achieved high ranks, marking a period of academic prosperity. The hall was destroyed again but was later rebuilt during the Qing Dynasty. In the ninth year of the Shunzhi reign (1652), a “Reclining Stele” was erected to the left of Minglun Hall, serving as the academy’s academic regulations. This, too, was later abandoned.

The current Minglun Hall, along with Dacheng Hall behind the Confucian Temple, has been restored and is now used as a classroom for master’s and doctoral students at the academy. This hall continues to be a symbol of Yuelu Academy’s long-standing commitment to education and its scholarly traditions.

The Imperial Library Pavilion (御书阁) at Yuelu Academy is a significant structure that embodies one of the three primary functions of ancient Chinese academies: the preservation of books. From its inception, Yuelu Academy included a library located behind the lecture hall, which was renamed “Imperial Library Pavilion” (Yushu Ge) after receiving books from Emperor Zhenzong of the Song Dynasty. During the Yuan and Ming Dynasties, it was also known as “Zunjing Pavilion,” with some changes in its location.

In the 26th year of the Kangxi reign (1687) during the Qing Dynasty, Governor Ding Sikong obtained a collection of books from the imperial court, including the Thirteen Classics and the Twenty-One Histories, and built the Imperial Library Pavilion at its current site. By the mid-Qing period, this library had developed into one of the largest private libraries in China, housing 14,130 volumes.

Today, the Imperial Library Pavilion continues to serve as an ancient books library for the academy’s teaching and research staff. Its collection has grown to over 50,000 volumes, including rare and comprehensive works such as the Siku Quanshu (Complete Library of the Four Branches of Literature), Xu Jie Siku Quanshu (Supplement to the Complete Library of the Four Branches of Literature), Sibu Congkan (Collection of Books in the Four Categories), Sibu Beiyao (Essentials of the Four Branches of Literature), and Gujin Tushu Jicheng (Complete Collection of Illustrations and Writings from the Earliest to Current Times).

The Confucian Temple at Yuelu Academy is situated on the left side of the academy, forming its own distinct courtyard. The complex includes several components: a screen wall, gateway, Dacheng Gate, Dacheng Hall, East and West Side Halls, Chongsheng Shrine, and Minglun Hall. The practice of worshiping Confucius at Yuelu Academy dates back to its founding period. During the Northern Song Dynasty, a Ritual Hall was constructed in front of the lecture hall, featuring statues of Confucius’ ten disciples and portraits of seventy-two sages. In 1167, during the Southern Song Dynasty, the hall was renamed Xuansheng Hall, with Confucius’ statue placed in the center and portraits of his seventy disciples displayed around him.

In 1505, the hall was renamed Dacheng Hall, and two years later, in 1507, it was moved to its current location on the left side of the academy. The temple was renovated in 1624 during the Tianqi period and officially designated as the Confucian Temple (Wenmiao). The temple’s design and layout are comparable to those of Confucian temples found in various prefectures and counties.

Lianxi Shrine is dedicated to Zhou Dunyi (1017–1073), a prominent Neo-Confucian philosopher. It was initially constructed in 1812 during the 17th year of the Jiaqing reign on the site of the original Six Gentlemen Hall. In 1820, during the 25th year of the Jiaqing reign, the shrine was relocated to its current position. Inside the shrine, a plaque inscribed with “超然会太极 Surpassing the Supreme Ultimate” is displayed, along with a stone inscription titled Record of the Relocation of Lianxi Shrine. The original Record of Lianxi Shrine stele remains at the present Six Gentlemen Hall.

Chongdao Shrine, also known as the Zhu-Zhang Shrine, is dedicated to the great Confucian scholars Zhu Xi and Zhang Shi. In 1314, during the first year of the Yanyou period of the Yuan Dynasty, a shrine for these sages was established on the left side of the lecture hall to honor Zhu Xi, Zhang Shi, and officials who contributed to the academy’s development. The shrine was initially constructed behind the lecture hall in 1494 during the Hongzhi period but was later destroyed. In 1776, during the 41st year of the Qianlong reign, the Provincial Governor Jueluo Dunfu rebuilt the shrine at its current location. Today, the shrine has been restored to its ancient ceremonial function, with a plaque reading “斯文正脉 Authentic Lineage of Confucianism” hanging inside and statues of Zhu Xi and Zhang Shi displayed prominently.

Shenzhai Shrine, also known as the Luo Headmaster Shrine, is dedicated to Luo Dian, a headmaster of Yuelu Academy. Luo was appointed as the headmaster in 1772, during the 47th year of the Qianlong reign, and served the academy for 27 years. His tenure saw significant contributions to talent cultivation and infrastructure development at the academy. The shrine was initially constructed during the Xianfeng period near the Qu Yuan Shrine but later fell into disrepair. It has now been restored and is located to the north of the Chuanshan Shrine.

Sizhen Pavilion is dedicated to the Northern Song Dynasty scholars Cheng Hao and Cheng Yi, who were both foundational figures in Neo-Confucianism and disciples of Zhou Dunyi. They are collectively referred to as “The Two Chengs.” The pavilion was originally renovated in 1642 during the Tianqi period by the local official Lin Zhengheng and renamed Sizhen Pavilion. From that time onward, it was specifically dedicated to the worship of the Two Chengs. In 1818, during the 23rd year of the Jiaqing reign, the pavilion was relocated to its current site. Inside the pavilion, there are stone tablets engraved with the “Four Admonitions” (四箴) composed by the Cheng brothers, which focus on sight, hearing, speech, and action.

Liujunzi Hall was first built in the fifth year of the Jiajing era (1526) and has undergone several relocations and reconstructions over the years. It was rebuilt in its current location in the 17th year of the Jiaqing era (1812). This structure features three hard-mountain-style buildings and is connected to the Chongdao Shrine. Within the hall, there is an embedded tablet inscribed with the “Monument of the Reconstruction of Liujunzi Hall,” honoring six Confucian scholars who contributed significantly to the development and construction of the academy: Zhu Dong, Li Yunze, Zhou Shi, Liu Gong, Chen Gang, and Yang Maoyuan.

Chuanshan Shrine is dedicated to Wang Fuzhi, a prominent scholar from the late Ming Dynasty. The shrine was originally established as the Xiangshui School of Classics in the 13th year of the Daoguang era (1833). In the first year of the Guangxu era (1875), the Xiangshui School was relocated to the eastern bank of the river for educational purposes, allowing the site to be repurposed as Chuanshan Shrine. In front of the shrine hangs a couplet written by Guo Songtao, a distinguished scholar of Yuelu Academy and a diplomat during the Qing Dynasty, adding cultural significance to the site.

The Lushan Temple Stele Pavilion is located on the southern side of the garden. It was initiated by the governor Qian Shu in the fifth year of the Chenghua era (1469). The existing structure was rebuilt in 1962, and the inscription “麓山寺碑 Lushan Temple Stele” was penned by the contemporary calligrapher Li Zetai in the same year. Inside the pavilion stands the famous “Lushan Temple Stele,” one of the most significant inscriptions in China. Crafted during the 18th year of the Kaiyuan era (730) by the renowned calligrapher Li Yong, the stele is celebrated for its exemplary text, calligraphy, and engraving, earning it the title of “三绝碑 Three Uniques Stele.” Additionally, the side of the stele features an inscription by the famous Song dynasty calligrapher Mi Fu.

Baiquan Pavilion was established in the early Northern Song Dynasty and is situated at the entrance of Qingfeng Gorge on Yuelu Mountain, where numerous streams converge, creating a picturesque spot for Yuelu Academy. Over the centuries, various heads of the academy have cherished the beauty of the streams, building pavilions to enjoy the natural sounds of nature. In the third year of the Qindao era (1167), Zhu Xi visited the academy and gathered with the head Zhang Zhi to “rejoice and explore Yuelu.” They reportedly spent three days and nights discussing academic topics within Baiquan Pavilion.

Zibei Pavilion is located 200 meters east of the academy. In the 27th year of the Kangxi era (1688), Zhao Ning, the deputy magistrate of Changsha, built the pavilion by the roadside for travelers to rest. In the 17th year of the Jiaqing era (1812), the head of the academy, Yuan Mingyao, reconstructed it in the middle of the road. During the Republican period, the road was expanded alongside the pavilion, forming its current layout. The existing structure was built in the 11th year of the Xianfeng era (1861). The three characters “自卑亭 Zibei Pavilion” were inscribed by Che Wanyu, a head of the academy during the Qing Dynasty. Inside the pavilion, several tablets, including the “Record of Zibei Pavilion,” are embedded in the walls.

Shiwu Pavilion is a commemorative building established to honor the Shiwuxuetang (School of Current Affairs), founded by the reformist movement during the late Qing Dynasty. It is situated within the garden of Yuelu Academy, opposite Baiquan Pavilion across a pond. Inside the pavilion, a stele inscribed by Liang Qichao, titled “时务学堂故址 Site of Shiwu Study,” is embedded. This inscription was penned by Liang during his visit to the old site of Shiwuxuetang in the 24th year of the Republic of China. Other inscriptions include writings by Li Xiaodan, Li Kuangsong, Chen Yunzhan, and Huang Zengfu, each commemorating the significance of the site.

In the third year of the Qindao era (1167), Zhu Xi and Zhang Zhi built Hexi Terrace (Platform of Radiant Sun) on the summit of Yuelu Mountain to observe the sun. Zhu Xi inscribed the plaque for the platform. The Ming dynasty scholar Wang Shouren famously wrote, “With my robe fluttering, I ascend the Hexi Terrace.” The original platform fell into disrepair over time. In the 55th year of the Qianlong era (1790), the head of the academy, Luo Dian, constructed a front pavilion and renamed it Qiantai. In the first year of the Daoguang era (1821), to preserve the historical site, the head Ouyang Houjun officially restored the name to Hexi Terrace. On the inner walls of the platform, the characters “福” (blessing) and “寿” (longevity) are carved in large script, while the top of the platform is adorned with motifs including the Eight Trigrams, bats, and the character for longevity.

The Shanzhai Site is located to the right of Chuan Mountain Temple. It was established in the first year of the Qindao era (1165) by Liu Gong, the pacification commissioner, and was named “Shanzhai” to serve as the residence for the head of the academy. During the tenure of Zhang Zhi as the headmaster, Zhu Xi visited and stayed in this house, where the two composed a poem titled “Shanzhai.” Unfortunately, Shanzhai was destroyed during the wars in the late Southern Song dynasty. In the 20th year of the Daoguang era (1840), the headmaster Ouyang Houjun rebuilt the site and inscribed the plaque “Shanzhai Site.”

Before the establishment of Yuelu Academy, Shan’an (Cypress Hermitage) was created by Tao Kan (259–334), the governor of Jingjiang Prefecture during the Eastern Jin dynasty, who often traveled to Yuelu Mountain while on duty in Changsha. He built a hermitage in the mountains to read and cultivate his character, planting cypress trees around the hermitage, which led to its name. In the 18th year of the Daoguang era (1838), his descendant, Tao Shu, a notable student of Yuelu Academy and Governor of Liangjiang, rebuilt the hermitage to honor his ancestor’s contributions to education at Yuelu. A replica of the Song dynasty stele from Lushan Temple was embedded inside the hermitage. In 2001, Shan’an was restored near the Wenchang Temple, and the carved stele was moved back into the hermitage.