Site of the Hanlin Academy

　　 The site of the Hanlin Academy is located to the south of East Chang’an Avenue in Beijing today—within the area of the - . This site was originally the location of the Honglu Temple during the Ming Dynasty. In the seventh year of the Zhengtong era (1442), the Hanlin Academy was established here. In the early Qing Dynasty, the Hanlin Academy was incorporated into the Three Inner Courts. During the Kangxi reign, it was rebuilt on the original site of the Ming-era Hanlin Academy and designated as a third-rank government office. From the Yongzheng era onward, the Hanlin Academy became an important institution for nurturing national talent. Emperor Yongzheng once said: “In establishing official positions and dividing responsibilities, the selection of Hanlin scholars is conducted with particular care. Only those of upright character and pure scholarship are deemed worthy of the role, so as not to shame their position. This is how we cultivate talent for the imperial academies and prepare officials for high office.” To show its importance, Qing emperors often visited the Hanlin Academy to hold banquets with princes, ministers, and - . Prior to these events, relevant departments were instructed to prepare settings such as thrones and musical instruments. On the day of the event, the emperor would compose poetry with the princes and ministers to commemorate the occasion. The stone stele shown in this article was left behind after an imperial visit by Emperor Jiaqing.