Meizhou Dongshan Academy

Meizhou Dongshan Academy

Dongshan Academy is a protected cultural heritage site of Guangdong Province.

Dongshan Academy is situated by the Zhuangyuan Bridge in Dongshan, Meizhou City, Guangdong Province. It is the predecessor of Dongshan Middle School, a top school in Guangdong. The academy was first established in the 11th year of the Qianlong reign (1746) during the Qing Dynasty by then Jiaying (now Meizhou) Prefect Wang Zhefu and has a history of more than 260 years. The structure occupies a land area of 1,642 square meters and a built-up area of 2,655.5 square meters. The academy consists of a main gate tower, a front hall, a middle hall, a rear section totaling three levels, and two wing buildings.

Dongshan Academy is one of the oldest academies in Meizhou. It was founded by Wang Zhefu in the 11th year of the Qianlong reign (1746) and has withstood over 260 years of history. The academy follows a "three sections and two wings" architectural layout. It faces the fresh waters of the Zhouxi Stream in the front, leans against the spiritual beauty of Dongshan Ridge at the back, and neighbors the grandeur of the Zhuangyuan Bridge. During the Qianlong era, there were a total of nine academies built within Meicheng; four were located in the city — namely Peifeng Academy, Dongshan Academy, Chongshi Academy, and Zhouxi Academy. Today, only Dongshan Academy remains. From this historic academy to the present-day Dongshan Middle School, a continuous legacy thrives, symbolizing an epitome of Meizhou’s educational development.

Dongshan Academy carries forward the invaluable cultural traditions of Jiaying Prefecture. Throughout different historical periods, its robust walls and grey tiles have preserved dynamic history and recorded the spirit of Meizhou’s people. In the 30th year of the Guangxu reign (1904), patriotic poet, diplomat, and educator Huang Zunxian established the “Dongshan Junior Normal School” within the academy, nurturing numerous patriots dedicated to national prosperity. The esteemed scholar Qiu Fengjia also lectured at Dongshan Academy, where he composed a long couplet featuring the name “Dongshan,” subtly conveying that despite its secluded mountain-city location, the academy was capable of carrying the extraordinary aspirations of the Hakka people.

Meizhou has long valued literature and education, fostering a widespread culture of sending children to school. Among these, Meixian County was one of the 114 counties in the Qing Dynasty known for advanced imperial examination achievements, and one of the five such counties in Guangdong. According to incomplete statistics, before the abolition of the imperial examination system in the late Qing Dynasty, Meizhou had 24 academies, 14 charitable schools, 20 community schools, 4 official schools, and private schools spread across urban and rural areas. Among them, the most representative was Dongshan Academy, located by the Zhouxi River in the urban area of Meizhou. Dongshan Academy was the highest educational institution in Meizhou during the Qing Dynasty and is the most exquisitely designed double-eaved hip-and-gable roof-style academy building in China's Hakka region. It is also the predecessor of the now internationally renowned key school — Dongshan Middle School of Meixian, Meizhou, Guangdong — which has produced a great number of pillars of society.

In 1913, Marshal Ye Jianying, “both an elite alumnus and a founding benefactor,” led a group of aspiring youths in establishing Dongshan Middle School, thus ushering in a new glorious chapter for the ancient academy. A steady stream of national talents emerged from this historic institution, including martyrs from Dongshan who sacrificed their lives to break historical shackles, save the nation from peril, and revive the destiny of the ethnic group; Marshal Ye Jianying, who strategized and made outstanding contributions to national independence and the rejuvenation of China; General Xiao Xiangrong, former Deputy Secretary-General of the Central Military Commission, who was brave and skilled in battle; and numerous other distinguished individuals such as Ye Xuanping, former Vice Chairperson of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Lin Ruo, former Secretary of the Guangdong Provincial Party Committee, Academician Zeng Yi, and Dr. Zeng Xianzi. Generation after generation of young talents have stepped out of the academy, becoming Dongshan alumni spread across the world. Their frequent successes on all fronts vividly and profoundly continue the academy’s glory.

In 2004, as one of the eight major projects for constructing a “Cultural Meizhou” launched by the Meizhou Municipal Party Committee and Government, the academy underwent renovation and was completed on October 15, 2005. Following the enrichment of its humanistic elements, the restored Dongshan Academy has become a new landmark in the Cultural Meizhou initiative. This century-old academy is now writing a new chapter in history.

After a century of nurturing countless talents, the academy has now returned to tranquility and serves as a patriotic education base in Meizhou City. With its profound cultural heritage, it continues to inspire generations of Hakka youth. In 2008, Dongshan Academy was listed as a protected cultural heritage site of Guangdong Province. As its cultural significance deepens, the academy will gradually integrate with nearby attractions such as the Zhuangyuan Bridge and Huang Zunxian Park, truly forming a grand cultural and historical garden that showcases the banner of “Cultural Meizhou.”

In 2008, the People’s Government of Guangdong Province designated it as part of the fifth batch of Guangdong Provincial Cultural Heritage Protection Units.

Further Reading:

· Fifth Batch of Guangdong Provincial Cultural Heritage Protection Units