
The Yangzhou Academy Museum, located at 248 Guangling Road , was built on the site of the former Plum Blossom Academy. The museum features six sections: a stele gallery, a historical materials exhibition hall, and a lecture hall. These sections showcase the history of Yangzhou Academy through objects and images.
Yangzhou academies, founded in the Song Dynasty and managed by the salt administration and funded by salt merchants, became a hub for recruiting and nurturing talented individuals, many of whom became the backbone of the Yangzhou School. Today, Plum Blossom Academy is the only surviving remnant of an academy in Yangzhou. Yao Nai, a renowned writer of the Tongcheng School, and Hong Tong, a prominent scholar of the Anhui School, both served as its presidents.
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended playing time: less than 1 hour
free
8:00-20:00
The Yangzhou Academy Museum is dedicated to preserving the rich cultural and intellectual legacy of the Yangzhou Academy, a prominent educational institution that flourished during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The academy played a significant role in shaping the region's academic traditions and fostering generations of scholars.
The museum is located in the heart of Yangzhou, Jiangsu. It can be easily accessed by taxi or public bus from most parts of the city. It is also within walking distance from other major attractions in Yangzhou, such as Slender West Lake.
The museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is during weekdays, especially in the morning, to avoid the crowds typically seen on weekends and public holidays.
The entrance fee is around 20 CNY per person. Tickets can be purchased at the museum's entrance or online via local ticketing websites.
It is not necessary to book tickets in advance, but it is recommended during peak tourist seasons or public holidays. A day or two ahead is generally sufficient.
About 1-2 hours are needed to explore the museum, depending on how much time you spend reading the exhibits and engaging with the interactive displays.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and audio guides in multiple languages, including English, are available for self-guided visits.
The museum’s garden area and the exterior of the building offer great opportunities for photography, especially during the early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft.
Start by visiting the main exhibition hall to get an overview of the academy's history, then proceed to the biographical section to learn about the scholars. End your visit by relaxing in the garden and reflecting on the exhibits.
Night visits are not available. The museum operates mainly during daylight hours, and no regular light shows are offered. Special exhibitions and academic talks may occur occasionally, so it’s best to check the schedule ahead of time.
The museum can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times are on weekdays, particularly in the mornings.
The museum is accessible for elderly and children, with elevators and ramps for those with mobility issues. However, the garden area may present some challenges for wheelchairs due to its traditional design.
Both cash and mobile payments (e.g., WeChat Pay, Alipay) are accepted at the museum. Credit cards are also accepted at the gift shop.
Vegetarian options are available at nearby restaurants, and some places may offer halal food. It’s best to check with the restaurant staff for specific dietary needs.
The museum has a small gift shop where you can buy educational materials, books on Yangzhou’s history, and local handicrafts such as pottery and traditional silk items.