How to visit Songyang Academy

Songyang Shuyuan is known in English as Songyang Academy, which was a type of prvate school in ancient China. Different from national-level academy and district-level schools, shuyuan (academies) were usually private establishments constructed away from towns and cities, offering a quiet environment where scholars and students could pursue learning, studies and thinking without outside distractions.

The shuyuan (academies) originated in the Tang Dynasty ( 618-907) and further developed in the successive dynasties of Song, Ming, Qing. They were places where scholars could teach and study the classics.

Songyang Academy was named "Songyang Temple" when it was originally built in Beiwai Dynasty (484AD). In Sui Dynasty, it was renamed "Songyang Taoist Temple". In 1035, it was rebuilt and renamed "Songyang Academy". Many famous confucian scholars came here lecturing and studying. Songyang Academy was known as one of the Four Great Academies of the Northern Song (960–1127‎) almost in the same period when University of Oxford 1096 was founded in the UK.

Now Songyang Academy is located 3km north of Dengfeng City, easily accessible by taking a taxi or public bus No.02. Normally people visit Songyang Academy together with Zhongyue Temple for a half day tour. You may first visit Zhongyue Temple, then take the public bus no.02 directly from Zhongyue Temple to Songyang Academy.

The main entrance to Songyang Academy, Chinese traditinal up eaved building with a placard hung above with four Chinese charactors - Songyang Academy.

The main entrance to Songyang Academy

Have a close look at the gate to Songyang Academy

There are two ancient cypress trees with over 4,500 years old, General Cypress and Second General Cypress, the names of which are said to be given by Wu Emperor in West Han Dynasty in 110BC when he visited Mt. Songshan.

General Cypress

Second General Cypress

Classrooms at Songyang Academy

Entrance Ticket: RMB30

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Further Readings

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