Jintai Academy

　　　　The predecessor of Jintai Academy was the private residence of Hong Chengchou, a former Ming general who surrendered to the Qing—known as Hong Manor. In the 39th year of the Kangxi reign (1700), the Jingzhao Magistrate Qian Jinxī set up charitable schools in Wanping and Daxing to educate orphaned and impoverished students. The school in Wanping was located at Changsi, while the one in Daxing rented space in Hong Manor. Later, the Wanping school merged into Hong Manor and was named "Shoushan Charity School." From then on, the once tranquil manor resonated with the sounds of reading, becoming the site of the capital’s charity school.

　　　　At its inception, Shoushan Charity School only rented part of the Hong family estate. Later, Jingzhao Magistrate Shi Shilun wanted to purchase vacant land in Hong Manor to expand the charity school into an academy. However, at the time, Hong Chengchou’s grandson, Yi Mian, volunteered to donate the land for the charity school. Emperor Kangxi, upon reviewing the petition, praised Yi Mian and, in the 41st year of Kangxi’s reign (1702), specially bestowed an imperial plaque inscribed with “Guangyu Quncai” (Cultivating Talent for All). As a result, Yi Mian had no choice but to agree. Shoushan Charity School then expanded its classrooms and grew in scale. In the 15th year of the Qianlong reign (1750), it was officially renamed Jintai Academy. During the Qing Dynasty, academies were initially established in provincial capitals, and later also set up in prefectures, sub-prefectures, and counties. Jintai Academy was located in the capital, hence it became renowned nationwide.

　　　　Jintai Academy was under the administration of the Shuntian Prefecture government. Its students were mainly juren (successful candidates in the provincial examinations) and gongsheng (tribute students) from the capital and other provinces preparing for the metropolitan and palace examinations, but local Shuntian Prefecture students (tongsheng) could also study there. The heads of the academy were often notable figures. Wang Yuan, a juren of the Kangxi era, and Chen Zhaocang, a jinshi of the Yongzheng era, both served as principals of Jintai Academy. The academy had positions such as principal, assistant scholars, and senior students, and also employed lecturers. In addition to official courses, there were monthly lectures (inviting scholars to give regular talks). The main curriculum included practicing eight-legged essays, copying model calligraphy, and occasionally studying classical Confucian texts. On the first and fifteenth days of each lunar month, the Jingzhao Magistrate would often personally oversee examinations, rewarding high achievers with “gaohuo” (literally “lamp oil,” referring to a stipend for study expenses). If the academy discovered exceptional talent, they would immediately recommend them through official channels. This exceptional approach demonstrated the academy’s clear objective of cultivating and scouting talent for the Qing Dynasty.

　　　　In May 1984, it was designated as a municipal-level key cultural relics protection unit.

　　　　Location: Located in the western part of Chongwen District

　　　　Jintai Academy was renovated in the 22nd year of the Daoguang reign (1842). In the 5th year of the Guangxu reign (1875), due to another round of renovations, a total of 14,631 taels of silver were raised, and the work was completed in the spring of the 7th year of Guangxu (1881), taking two years in total. This included the construction of 7 Zhu Zi Halls, 3 lecture halls, 3 main halls, 1 floral archway gate, 6 official halls, 1 main gate, 5 southern wing rooms, 1 eastern gate, 20 east-west examination halls, 10 east-west wing rooms, as well as 7 rooms for kitchens, toilets, and stables—a total of 64 rooms, along with a screen wall and surrounding walls. After renovation, the academy was greatly improved. A fan-shaped tile-screen wall was added in front as a barrier, with exquisitely carved stone lions at the entrance, making for a spectacular sight. The central floral archway gate in the official hall was entirely carved and inlaid with timber, painted and decorated, presenting an elegant and solemn appearance. The east-west examination halls were not only spacious and bright but also featured corridors. The new desks and chairs provided better study conditions for the students.

　　　　In the 31st year of the Guangxu reign (1905), the imperial examination system was abolished and modern school education was promoted. The academy was then closed and converted into the Shuntong School. It subsequently underwent several name changes, including the Beijing Municipal No. 16 Primary School, Dongxiaoshi Primary School, Beiping No. 12 District Central National Primary School, No. 9 District Central Primary School, and Chongwen District No. 1 Central Primary School. In 1973, it became Chongwen District Dongxiaoshi Primary School. In 1983 and 1986, the school building underwent two rounds of repairs, renovations, and expansions.

　　 Transportation Information
　　Nearby bus lines include 6, 35, 36, and trolley line 106 (Tian tan bei men Station), or bus line 23 (San li he Station).  

　　 Chongwen District, Beijing