Latest News:  

English>>Life & Culture

The history and future of Shuyuan

(CNTV)

08:09, June 08, 2013

Built in 940 and located in Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province, Bailudong Shuyuan was the first full-fledged academy in China and the only central academy founded by government outside the capital. Zhu Xi, who established rules of education which have since been imitated across the country, used to teach here personally. (File photo/CNTV)

Since the 5th century B.C., there has been a long history of private education in China. Confucius, the prominent philosopher and educator, taught students regardless of their background and job, establishing the model for private schools in China apart from the official academies run by the government.

During the Tang Dynasty (around 8th century), the first shuyuan, which literally means “a place to collect books,” was established by Emperor Tangxuanzong in Luoyang, Henan Province. As the earliest government-funded shuyuan, this institute established the Confucian educational system which lasted for more than one thousand years.

Under the support and encouragement of the Song government, more and more shuyuans were built in the Song Dynasty. These educational institutes were managed independently, from both an economic and academic standpoint. The top four academies, including Yuelu Shuyuan in Hunan Province, Bailudong Shuyuan in Jiangxi Province, Songyang Shuyuan and Yingtian Shuyuan in Henan Province, also gained considerable fame during this period.

【1】 【2】 【3】 【4】



We recommend:

Top 10 beautiful gardens around world

Look! A new life on the red planet

China Final of Miss Tourism Int'l 2013

Top 10 endangered attractions in the world

Beauties at cheerleading championship

Former Residence of Pu Songling

Top 15 destinations for you moving abroad

Fan Bingbing honored as THR's International Artist

Top 10 relaxing summer destinations in China

Email|Print|Comments(Editor:LiQian、Ye Xin)

Leave your comment0 comments

  1. Name

  

Selections for you


  1. Recruits of Bayi Aerobatics Team in training

  2. PLA Air Force in confrontation training

  3. Supporters of Iranian presidential candidate

  4. Bus fire suspected 'serious criminal case' as 47 killed

  5. Flight overshoots airport runway

  6. Bodyguard trainees experience 'Hell Week'

  7. Sky-high zongzi displayed in Shanxi

  8. Kung Fu kicks ass in Hollywood

  9. Johnson&Johnson to serve middle class

  10. Nation maintains edge in attracting investment

Most Popular

Opinions

  1. China-US summit to set sunny tone for times ahead
  2. Most US citizens positive on China
  3. Less Gaokao participants, more seek int'l study
  4. Job-hunting college grads need 'soft power'
  5. China strengthens cultural heritage protection
  6. GE CEO optimistic about China's capability
  7. China to become most promising market
  8. High-end manufacturing holds the key
  9. Bloody conflict in Iraq should come to an end
  10. Law desiderated to protect interns' right

What’s happening in China

Sick girl realizes dream on the stage

  1. Flight overshoots airport runway
  2. EX-railways minister to stand trial on Sunday
  3. 5 killed in central China rainstorms
  4. Law seeks to regulate potable water dispensers
  5. Four nabbed for paying for blood donations