Zhenggong Academy

Zhenggong Academy

Zhenggong Academy is located on the mountainside of Hongshan, about 5 kilometers northeast of Zichuan District. It was rebuilt on the site of the former Zheng Kangcheng Academy. The inscription on the restored monument to Zheng Kangcheng Temple by Magistrate Wang Cong in the 24th year of the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty (1545) states: “More than ten li east of the county seat lies a mountain called Hongshan. After the Han Confucian scholar Zheng Kangcheng passed through Guan and Shaanxi, he took refuge here and taught the classics to scholars…”

…and thus chose to settle at the foot of the mountain. Hence, there is now a Book-Drying Platform and a Whip-Book Grass, both vividly passed down in local legend, though not recorded on steles. It is one of the Eight Scenic Spots of the county. Historical records state:

“Zhenggong lectured atop the peak of this mountain, attracting over a thousand students from near and far.” Zheng Kangcheng Academy was destroyed during wartime in the late Jin Dynasty, but was renovated in the 2nd year of the Yuan Yan reign, the 6th year of the Yuan Zhizheng reign, the 5th year of the Ming Jiajing reign, and the 24th year of the Ming Jiajing reign. The newly built Zhenggong Academy consists of a two-courtyard complex, with its main gate facing south and enclosed by walls. The architectural style features flush gable roofs covered with yellow glazed tiles. The academy is surrounded by lush green trees. Not far to the east of the academy lies a cluster of multicolored rocks, higher on the outside and lower within, appearing as if levered upward. Below is an unfathomably deep ravine. With three sunny sides, no obstructions, and ample sunlight, this is believed to have been Zhenggong’s legendary Book-Drying Platform.

In the second year, the sixth year of the Zhizheng era, the fifth year, and the twenty-fourth year of the Jiajing era of the Ming dynasty, renovations were carried out. The newly built Zhenggong Academy consists of a two-courtyard complex, with its main gate facing south and surrounded by walls. The architectural style features a flush gable roof covered with yellow glazed tiles. The academy is encircled by lush green trees. Not far to the east of the academy lies a cluster of mottled rocks, higher on the outside and lower on the inside, appearing as if pried upward. Below is an unfathomably deep ravine. This area is sunny on three sides, unobstructed and well-lit—it is likely the very spot where Zhenggong once dried his books.

Address: Dongguojing Road, Zichuan District, Zibo City

Admission: Free

Opening Hours: All day