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

Photo source: yuelu.gov.cn

Nestled at the foot of Yuelu Mountain in Changsha, central China's 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. 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.

Chinese source: hunan.gov.cn; yuelu.gov.cn; Voice of Hunan; CGTN