Humanities & Landscape
Tracing a Historical Changsha
Changsha, the capital of Hunan province, is a famous ancient city with a
history of 3,000 years. It used to be a place of strategic importance
in the Kingdom of Chu, and a famous prefecture of the Qin Dynasty
(221BC-207BC). Now Changsha is an important city with historical and
cultural relics, and an ideal destination for tourists in Hunan
province.
Yuelu Academy
Yuelu Academy
(Photo source: yuelu.gov.cn)
Nestled at the foot of Yuelu Mountain in Changsha, Hunan Province, Yuelu Academy is an ancient institution with a rich history, remaining the only traditional academy in the country to both preserve its centuries-old legacy and continue its scholarly activities to this day.
Established in 976 during the Northern Song Dynasty, the academy has carried forward its educational mission through the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. Its journey from Yuelu Academy to Hunan University represents a remarkable evolution from ancient scholarship to modern education.
As one of the four most prestigious academies in China, Yuelu Academy stands as a testament to China's enduring respect for knowledge. Here, the ancient pursuit of truth and wisdom continues to inspire new generations, fostering a place where the spirit of discovery thrives amid history, cultural legacy, and natural beauty.
The Yuelu Mountain Scenic Area is an urban mountainous scenic area, renowned both at home and abroad not only for its unique natural landscape of "mountains, waters, isles, and city," but also for its profound historical and cultural heritage. It serves as a hub for Huxiang culture and revolutionary culture, embodying the rich cultural essence of Changsha City. Huxiang culture, characterized by the spirit of "concerning for the world, daring to be a pioneer, being unyielding and inclusive," along with the cultural legacy of great figures like Mao Zedong and Cai Hesen, and a religious culture that integrates Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, all converge and flourish here, complementing one another and exerting a profound influence.
In 1952, the Aiwan Pavilion on Yuelu Mountain was fully restored. Li Da, then president of Hunan University, wrote a special letter requesting Chairman Mao Zedong to inscribe the pavilion's name. Out of his deep affection for Yuelu Mountain, Chairman Mao gladly agreed. The three characters "爱晚亭" (Aiwan Pavilion) displayed on the pavilion today, in gold on a red background, originated from this request.
During his student days in Changsha, the young Mao Zedong often discussed current affairs with Luo Xuezan, Zhang Kundi, Cai Hesen, and others on Yuelu Mountain. They slept under the open sky in the mountain and lived in the Banxue Studio of the Yuelu Academy, seeking truths to save the nation and its people at Yuelu Academy, Aiwan Pavilion, Orange Isle, Yunlu Palace, Yinxin Stone House, and Cai Hesen's home. They founded the Xiangjiang Review magazine and conducted rural social surveys at the foot of the mountain.
Between 1972 and 1974, more than 700 gorgeous lacquerwares,
over 20,000 exquisite textiles, and bamboo and silk scripts with over
130,000 characters were unearthed, including the world's oldest
astronomy text and earliest and thinnest dress Plain Unlined Gauze Gown.
At present, there are more than 4,000 experts and scholars engaged in
research on the Mawangdui Han Dynasty Tombs.
Established in 976 during the Northern Song Dynasty, the academy has carried forward its educational mission through the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. Its journey from Yuelu Academy to Hunan University represents a remarkable evolution from ancient scholarship to modern education.
As one of the four most prestigious academies in China, Yuelu Academy stands as a testament to China's enduring respect for knowledge. Here, the ancient pursuit of truth and wisdom continues to inspire new generations, fostering a place where the spirit of discovery thrives amid history, cultural legacy, and natural beauty.
Yuelu Mountain
Aiwan Pavilion (Photo source: hunan.gov.cn)
The Yuelu Mountain Scenic Area is an urban mountainous scenic area, renowned both at home and abroad not only for its unique natural landscape of "mountains, waters, isles, and city," but also for its profound historical and cultural heritage. It serves as a hub for Huxiang culture and revolutionary culture, embodying the rich cultural essence of Changsha City. Huxiang culture, characterized by the spirit of "concerning for the world, daring to be a pioneer, being unyielding and inclusive," along with the cultural legacy of great figures like Mao Zedong and Cai Hesen, and a religious culture that integrates Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, all converge and flourish here, complementing one another and exerting a profound influence.
In 1952, the Aiwan Pavilion on Yuelu Mountain was fully restored. Li Da, then president of Hunan University, wrote a special letter requesting Chairman Mao Zedong to inscribe the pavilion's name. Out of his deep affection for Yuelu Mountain, Chairman Mao gladly agreed. The three characters "爱晚亭" (Aiwan Pavilion) displayed on the pavilion today, in gold on a red background, originated from this request.
During his student days in Changsha, the young Mao Zedong often discussed current affairs with Luo Xuezan, Zhang Kundi, Cai Hesen, and others on Yuelu Mountain. They slept under the open sky in the mountain and lived in the Banxue Studio of the Yuelu Academy, seeking truths to save the nation and its people at Yuelu Academy, Aiwan Pavilion, Orange Isle, Yunlu Palace, Yinxin Stone House, and Cai Hesen's home. They founded the Xiangjiang Review magazine and conducted rural social surveys at the foot of the mountain.
Mawangdui Han Tombs
(Photo/Xue Yuge, Xinhua)
Chinese sources: hunan.gov.cn; Voice of Hunan
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