Yuelu Academy

The Yuelu Academy (also known as the Yuelu Academy of Classical Learning, traditional Chinese: 嶽麓書院; simplified Chinese: 岳麓书院; pinyin: Yuèlù Shūyuàn) is located on the east side of Yuelu Mountain in Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan province, on the west bank of the Xiang River. It is one of the four most important academies in China over the past 1000 years.

Yuelu Academy was formally established during the Northern Song Dynasty and became a well-known place for higher learning and academic activities. It played a big role in spreading Confucian ideas throughout China.

In 1903, the academy changed into the Hunan Institute of Higher Learning. Over time, it went through several name changes, becoming Hunan Normal College, Hunan Public Polytechnic School, and finally Hunan University in 1926. Today, it remains an important part of China's educational history.

History

The Yuelu Academy was founded in 976 during the Song dynasty and became one of the four most famous academies of higher learning in China. Renowned Confucian scholars like Zhu Xi and Zhang Shi taught there.

During the Qing dynasty, the academy focused on moral self-cultivation and community values. By the early 1800s, students also studied practical topics such as engineering and economics. In 1903, the academy became a university, and in 1926, it was named Hunan University. Today, as part of Hunan University, it remains a center for research and learning. In 1988, it was named a "Major National Historical and Cultural Sites in Hunan" by the State Council of China.