Lecture Garden

Lecture Garden

The Lecture Garden, located in Jiangxueyuan Lane on North Street in downtown Tongcheng, was the former site where Fang Xuejian, a master of Neo-Confucianism during the Ming Dynasty, gave lectures.

Fang Xuejian (circa 1600), courtesy name Daqing and alias Ben’an, had a son named Dazhen who became a renowned Neo-Confucian scholar during the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty, and his great-grandson Fang Yizhi was celebrated as an outstanding figure throughout history. Fang Xuejian was exceptionally bright from a young age and could write essays by the age of 10. As he grew older, he delved into the study of the mind and elucidated classical teachings. Later, he associated with various eminent scholars, refining his knowledge and gaining ever greater renown. For over twenty years, he served as the unofficial head of students despite being a commoner. He lectured in the areas of Tongchuan and Qiupu, and built the Tongchuan Assembly Hall, attracting hundreds of followers. Known for his generosity and kindness, he passed away at the age of 75. Scholars posthumously honored him with the title “Mr. Mingshan,” and he was enshrined in the “Village Sage Shrine.” His works, including “Er Xun,” “Xin Xue Zong,” “Chong Ben Tang Gao,” and a total of 65 volumes, have been preserved to this day.