Ancient Academies

Ancient Academies

Ancient Academies Jinjiang was the county seat of ancient Anyi County. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Anyi had a strong academic culture, and academies such as Yuzhen Academy, Jinjiang Academy, Jianshan Academy, Xiaoru Academy, Longmen Academy, and Longxi Academy were all renowned institutions of their time, exuding a rich scholarly atmosphere that attracted students from neighboring counties and provinces to “come for scriptures and seek knowledge.” The Jianshan Academy, founded by Gui E, a grand secretary of the Ming Dynasty, was honored with imperial plaques inscribed with “Purity” and “Principle and Righteousness Suffice,” bestowed by Emperor Jiajing, which were hung in the central hall. The Jinjiang Academy, founded by Ni Jie, father of Ni Tuo, also received an imperial inscription and was once as prestigious as the Four Great Academies of Jiangnan — including the White Deer Academy and Yuelu Academy. With the passage of time, these once-famous academies have become part of history. In Jinjiang, the former county seat of ancient Anyi, the ruins of the “Longxi Academy” and “Longmen Academy” still remain. The Longxi Academy is nestled at the foot of Yugai Peak, surrounded by mountains and clear waters, and was built by Li Shangzong, a successful candidate in the imperial examinations from Anyi, who returned to his hometown after retiring from his official post as Vice Magistrate in Jiangsu and Zhejiang during the 38th year of the Qianlong reign (1763), for the benefit of his clan. Covering an area of about 500 square meters, the Longxi Academy features a main building with three contiguous sections, constructed with brick and wood beams. It is 26 meters deep, 23 meters wide, and 6 meters high, and includes more than ten study rooms. The entrance is a memorial archway-style “eight-character” gate building, made of blue hemp stone, with three tiers stacked vertically in a pagoda shape. The upturned eaves, hollow carvings, and vividly crafted patterns depicting opera characters combine to showcase the exquisite ancient architectural artistry and superior craftsmanship. Jiang Shiquan, a renowned literary figure and dramatist of the Qing Dynasty, wrote “Record of Longxi Academy,” which depicts the academy’s former prosperity. This ancient academy, which has survived for over 240 years and remains one of the few well-preserved structures of its kind in the city and even the province, still retains its timeless charm, evoking a deep sense of nostalgia. The Longmen Academy and the County Examination Shed are located on Liujialing in Jinjiang Town. Today, only parts of the main hall and west wing buildings remain. During the Republican era, this site housed the First Primary School of Yujiang. Two stone pillars still quietly lie amid overgrown weeds, while an inscribed couplet reads: “The dragon shines over the heavenly pool, with changing fortunes following the winds; the gate leads to the sacred city, where spring peach and plum blossoms thrive through nurturing.” The County Examination Shed is situated to the east of the Longmen Academy. It was funded by Mao Fengteng, an example tribute student, and consists of two rows of examination rooms and ten dormitories, covering an area of 200 square meters. During exams, each candidate was assigned a separate room where they would write essays and answers over three days, locked inside under supervision, with meals delivered. From here, candidates hoped to leap through the “Dragon Gate” into official careers.