Hedong Academy Library Building

Hedong Academy Library Building

The Hedong Academy Library Building is located in the backyard of the Daqu Township Government, 5 kilometers northwest of Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province. Hedong Academy was built in the ninth year of the Zhengde era during the Ming Dynasty (1514), but has since suffered many disasters, leaving only the library building intact. According to county records, the original academy covered an area of over 30 mu, with more than 40 mu of school fields. It faced south and followed a central axis extending northward, featuring, at the front, the First Gate, the Ceremonial Gate, and the Scripture Lecture Hall. A rolled awning was erected on the steps in front of the hall, with pine and locust trees planted below the platform. To the east was the Chongyi Studio, and to the west the Yuanli Studio. North of the Scripture Lecture Hall was the Tuisi Hall, which had five bays. Slightly southeast of the hall was the Left Curved Room, and slightly southwest was the Right Curved Room. Beyond the Tuisi Hall was the Four Teachings Pavilion. Passing the pavilion led to the Library Building. In the middle of the upper floor was a shrine dedicated to venerating the notable figures of the Three Jin regions, while the wings housed rooms for book storage. The library building was surrounded by a pool of water called the Ring Pond, where lotuses were grown and boating was possible. North of the Ring Pond lay a stretch of rugged rocks known as the Rocky Shoal, beyond which rose the Nine Peaks Mountain, topped by the Yangzhi Pavilion. To the east of the mountain was the Apricot Altar, and to the west the Peach Blossom Spring. Beside the mountain was a brick well called Yuantou, and at the foot of the mountain were four caves that twisted their way to the back mountain—these were called the Immortal-Wandering Caves. The mountain featured grotesque rocks and lush trees, with the left hill named Bao Bian (Leopard Transformation) and the right hill Feng Ming (Wind Singing). A visitor once wrote of the library building: “Grotesque rocks form a nine-tiered screen, and the layered tower leans against the celestial stars”—a reference to the rockery. On either side were gardens such as the Pomegranate Garden, Grape Garden, and Peony Garden, each with pavilions for visitors to enjoy. Finally, there was the Hundred Fruit Garden and Leisure Pavilion among others. The academy boasted solemn halls, proud pavilions, small bridges over flowing water, and a delicate garden landscape, all set in an elegant and picturesque environment, making it a true gem of the region. A poem by a former visitor vividly depicts its splendor: “A secluded paradise with fresh grass and trees; early plans made for neighbors to reside. Mountains connect to Huashan encircling the Three Jin, waters embrace the Yellow River meeting Seven Crossings. With lutes and books, contentment is found alone; fish and birds keep the moon company without harm. Reeds and bamboo by the islet bask in wind and sun; apricots in the altar and celery in the palace greet late spring.” From its establishment until its closure, Hedong Academy spanned the Ming, Qing, and Republican eras, totaling 423 years, and served as the highest seat of learning in southern Shanxi at the time.

Address: Daqu Township, Yanhu District, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province