Dacheng Academy

Dacheng Academy

Dacheng Academy is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Dacheng Academy is located on Shuyuan Street in the county town, stretching 73.65 meters from north to south and 39.9 meters from east to west, covering a total area of 2,938.6 square meters. It features a three-bay main gate, one ancient locust tree, a three-bay Dragon Gate, two ancient pine trees, a three-bay Lecture Hall of Standing in the Snow, and two rows of east-west corridor rooms with 13 rooms per row, totaling 52 rooms. It is one of the longest-preserved, largest, and most intact ancient building complexes in the county town, ranking third in the country.

Dacheng Academy was first built during the Song Dynasty by Cheng Hao. Cheng Hao was a Northern Song philosopher, educator, and founder of Neo-Confucianism. From 1075 to 1080 (the eighth year of Xining to the third year of Yuanfeng during the reign of Emperor Shenzong), he served as the magistrate of Fugou County. Known for his leniency, emphasis on education, and concern for the people’s welfare, he promoted the establishment of schools. He personally “gathered the county’s outstanding youths to teach them,” inscribed the plaque “Shuyuan (Academy)” with his own hand, and hung it above the main gate. He also advocated that “every village must have a school,” inviting renowned scholars to Fugou to spread knowledge and teachings, which temporarily revitalized the region’s literary culture and nurtured many talented individuals.

The academy boasts a grand and majestic scale, shining with its historical charm. Since its establishment, it has endured over 900 years of change through the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, undergoing multiple expansions and reconstructions. Its size has continuously evolved. The current “Dacheng Academy” was reconstructed in the 28th year of the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1689) by Magistrate Miao Yingjin.

Upon entering the academy, you are greeted by bluestone steps, a vermilion-painted gate, tall pillars and heavy beams, brick-and-tile roofing, double eaves and layered ridges, clay tiles adorned with ornamental creatures, and captivating wood carvings and painted decorations. Ten wing rooms flank the main gate, symmetrically arranged on both sides.

Integrated harmoniously with the main gate, they present a grand and imposing sight. Beyond the gate lies the “Dragon Gate,” which shares a similar style with the main gate—three bays wide, flanked by eight wing rooms. Moon gates connect to the east and west wing rooms, forming small, serene courtyards.

Continuing forward, you step into the Dragon Gate (also known as the second gate). Legend says the Dragon Gate is located upstream of the Yellow River, where the current is swift. Ancient tales say that carp leaping through this gate would transform into dragons. In the imperial examination era, those who passed the metropolitan exam were said to have “jumped the Dragon Gate.” Here, the gate leading to the examination hall is called the Dragon Gate, symbolizing high hopes for students’ academic success and advancement. The great poet Li Bai once wrote: “Once you leap the Dragon Gate, your worth multiplies a hundredfold.” In the past, the Dragon Gate was only opened during the “major examinations” years. Whenever it opened, people from eastern Henan would rush to the academy to “leap the Dragon Gate” in hopes of good fortune. Over time, this became a beloved folk custom. Legend has it that leaping the Dragon Gate once brings fame in the imperial exams, twice leads to rapid career advancement, thrice brings wealth, four times brings a harmonious marriage, five times brings the birth of a noble son, and six times brings prosperity, longevity, and health.

On both sides of the central axis leading to the Lecture Hall of Standing in the Snow, east and west examination halls are symmetrically arranged in four rows, each with 13 rooms running north to south. The entire architectural structure is rigorous, the layout orderly, with carved beams and painted rafters, exuding an antique elegance. All are built with blue bricks and clay tiles, featuring ancient-style columned corridors. It is the best-preserved original site of an ancient imperial examination hall in China. Two ancient pine trees beside the examination hall stand tall and lush, providing ample shade. They were personally planted by Magistrate Miao Yingjin when the academy was rebuilt.

The academy’s “Lecture Hall of Standing in the Snow” is ten meters square, with a framed front wall and lattice windows—a key part of the academy’s architecture. The lecture hall is about ten meters high, three bays wide, with a single-eave bracket set, six bracket arms per bay, and each arm consisting of three brackets and two upward curves, creating a compact yet towering and majestic structure. The hall’s door bears the inscription “Lecture Hall of Standing in the Snow” written by the renowned calligrapher Wu Sanda, while the couplet on both sides of the gate, penned by the famous calligrapher Ma Xiaoxiao, reads: “Standing in the snow shows devotion, honoring teachers as role models; establishing the hall enlightens reason, passing on the noble tradition of valuing education.” The golden plaques are like the finishing touch on a dragon painting, embedding a pearl in the lecture hall.

In the center of the “lecture hall” stands a seated statue of Cheng Hao, recreating his historical image of greeting people with a “face full of spring warmth.” Historical records note that Cheng Hao usually sat alone, either meditating with closed eyes or deep in thought, always stern and motionless like a sculpture. But when answering students’ questions or interacting with others, he was all smiles and approachable.

On the east side of the lecture hall, a group of statues depicts Cheng Yi and Cheng Hao seated while Yang Shi and You Zuo (Yang Shi, Lü Dalin, Xie Liangzuo—the four great disciples of the Cheng School—all studied under Cheng Hao in Fugou) stand respectfully, seeking guidance. This vividly recreates the story of “Standing in the Snow at the Gate of Cheng.” In 1093, Yang Shi and You Zuo had already passed the imperial examination but sought further enlightenment. They resigned from their official posts to study under Cheng Yi. Despite visiting him repeatedly, Cheng Yi, testing their sincerity, deliberately kept his door closed. One snowy day, they came again. Initially, it was light snow, but it soon accumulated to over a foot deep. Seeing them standing frozen like ice sculptures yet refusing to leave, Cheng Yi was moved by their eagerness to learn and accepted them as disciples. Henceforth, “Standing in the Snow at the Gate of Cheng” became a symbol of respecting teachers and valuing education, and the hall was named the Lecture Hall of Standing in the Snow to inspire future generations to seek knowledge diligently.

On the west side of the lecture hall, a group of statues portrays historical figures who advanced from Dacheng Academy to distinguished careers. These include Liu Ziqiang, Minister of Revenue, War, and Justice in the Ming Dynasty; Liu Zezhen, Minister of Personnel; Li Mengyang, a literary genius and Jiangxi Provincial Education Commissioner; Du Huazhong, an imperial censor of Guangdong Circuit; and others such as Liu Tang, Luo Zan, Cao Jia, Lu Chuanyuan, Hao Weiqiao, He Chuguang, and He Chutu, all of whom emerged from Dacheng Academy.

The academy, with its classic charm and picturesque scenery, is a feast for the eyes and soothes the soul. It regularly hosts exhibitions of cultural relics, calligraphy, paintings, and other diverse displays, rich in content and unique in character, attracting a constant stream of visitors.

In October 2000, Dacheng Academy was designated as a Provincial Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit by the People’s Government of Henan Province.

On October 7, 2019, Dacheng Academy was included in the eighth batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units.

Further Reading:

· Third Batch of Henan Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units

· Eighth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units