One of the four great academies in ancient times
by Lu Lu 雜記
Sep 26, 2025
Introduction🩵🤍
Yuelu Academy, located at 273 Lushan Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, is one of China's oldest and best-preserved ancient academies, hailed as a treasure of Chinese Confucian culture. Whether you're a hipster, a history buff, or simply looking to immerse yourself in the ancient charm, this place is well worth a visit. The academy's architecture is charming, tranquil, and serene, conveying the richness of time.
Recommended Tour📍
After entering, we recommend starting at the Mountain Gate and visiting the Dacheng Hall, Lecture Hall, and Imperial Library along the way. Along the way, you'll appreciate Yuelu Academy's unique ancient architecture. We recommend walking slowly, carefully observing the inscriptions, couplets, and various plaques on the walls to immerse yourself in the academy's cultural heritage.
Must-See Spots📸
1. Mountain Gate: The iconic plaque is a must-see for photos. 2. Dacheng Hall: The heart of Yuelu Academy, with its solemn ceremonial design, it is a sacred place for Confucian scholars.
3. Imperial Library: Clad in red brick and green tiles, it exudes the atmosphere of ancient books and is perfect for photographs.
4. Lecture Hall: Experience the tranquil atmosphere of lectures between teachers and students in the past.
5. Academy Garden: Nestled among ancient trees and stone tablets, relax under their shade and relive the leisure time of ancient students.
6. Yuelu Mountain Trail: Behind the academy, there is a small path leading to Yuelu Mountain, offering a stroll and a glimpse into the charming blend of nature and culture.
Visit Tips
1. Avoid visiting the academy from January 28th to 30th each year, as the academy is closed on these three days. The academy opens at 7:50 AM and closes at 5:30 PM. Please be aware of the times when purchasing tickets and entering the academy. 2. Tickets are 40 yuan per person and can be purchased at the door. During holidays, crowds are high, so we recommend booking online in advance to avoid long lines.
3. Pets are not allowed inside the academy. Please maintain quietness and respect the historical site.
4. Remember to bring water, as there will be a lot of walking within the academy, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
5. There are unique restaurants and teahouses near the academy, where you can arrange a simple meal or tea and immerse yourself in the Yuelu scholarly atmosphere.
Notes
- Yuelu Academy is a key cultural relic protection site. Please refrain from making loud noises or touching exhibits during your visit.
- Some of the ancient buildings within the academy have high steps, so please be mindful. Elderly visitors are advised to be accompanied by their companions.
Yuelu Academy is not only a great place for photo opportunities, but also an ideal place to experience the atmosphere of traditional Chinese Confucian culture. Walking through it, you'll feel like you're traveling through a thousand years of history dating back to the Northern Song Dynasty, deeply experiencing the principles of "tranquility cultivates the body, frugality fosters virtue."
#ChangshaAttractions #YueluAcademy #HunanCulture #AncientArchitectureCheck-In #LiteraryTravel
Post by Lu Lu 雜記 | Sep 26, 2025













