South Lake Academy

South Lake Academy

South Lake Academy is located on the north shore of Nanhu in Yi County, Anhui Province. In the late Ming Dynasty, villagers from Hongcun built six private schools along the north shore of the lake, also known as the “Six Academies by the Lake.” In the 19th year of the Jiaqing reign during the Qing Dynasty (1814), these six academies were merged into one, named “Yiwen Family School,” also called “South Lake Academy.”

South Lake Academy is located on the north shore of Nanhu in Yi County, Anhui Province. In the late Ming Dynasty, villagers from Hongcun built six private schools along the north shore of the lake, also known as the “Six Academies by the Lake.” In the 19th year of the Jiaqing reign during the Qing Dynasty (1814), these six academies were merged into one, named “Yiwen Family School,” also called “South Lake Academy.” Scholars such as Wang Daxie—who served as a Middle Secretary in the Qing government’s Grand Secretariat, as an envoy to Britain and Japan during the Republic of China, and as Acting Premier—as well as contemporary renowned scientist Li Xiaojuan, one of the experts involved in the development of the Australian Satellite launch project, were all educated here in their early years.

South Lake Academy is a traditional Huizhou-style ancient academy, covering an area of approximately 6,000 square meters. The academy consists of six sections: Zhidao Hall, Wenchang Pavilion, Huibo Pavilion, Qimeng Pavilion, Wanghu Tower, and Zhiyuan Garden. A stretch of blue water lies in front of the academy, with rows of connected buildings adjoining it. The academy’s dark-tiled, white-walled structures complement the clear waters and blue sky. The main teaching hall, Zhidao Hall, is where lectures were given; Wenchang Pavilion houses a shrine to Confucius, where students paid respect; Huibo Pavilion was used by students to study the Four Books and Five Classics; Qimeng Pavilion was the space for foundational learning; Wanghu Tower served as a place to enjoy the view and rest; Zhiyuan is the inner garden.

Hongcun Village: Hongcun is located in the northeastern part of Yi County, Anhui Province. The village covers an area of 19.11 hectares. Established during the Shaoxi era of the Southern Song Dynasty (1131 AD), it has a history of over 800 years. Backed by the mountain ranges of the Huangshan foothills, such as Yangzhan Ridge and Leigang Mountain, the village sits at a relatively high elevation and is known as the “Village in a Chinese Painting.”

Hongcun is located at the southwestern foot of Huangshan Mountain, north of Yicheng. The village spans an area of 4.1 square kilometers, with 768 acres of arable land, 13 villager groups, 437 households, and a population of 1,368. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit, a National 5A-Level Tourist Attraction, and a National Eco-Cultural Village. … More details about Hongcun Village++