Zhongling Academy in Luliang County, Qujing
Overview
Zhongling Academy (钟灵书院) is located within the campus of Majiang Primary School (马街小学) in Lujiang County (陆良县), Qujing City (曲靖市), Yunnan Province (云南省), China. This site served as a revolutionary base for the Communist Party of China (中共) during its activities in Yunnan and is recognized as a provincial cultural heritage site.
Historical Significance
Historically, schools have played a crucial role in cultivating talent and promoting cultural values. Zhongling Academy was established to nurture local scholars and foster good customs within the community. The village of Zhongling (钟灵村) was bustling with population, yet lacked a dedicated place for education, making it difficult for students to seek knowledge elsewhere.
In the 13th year of the Tongzhi era (同治, 1874), local gentry, including Yang Wenxun (杨文训), aimed to establish a charitable school to cultivate local talent. They utilized funds generated from a previously established martial temple (武庙) in Majiang, which collected money for incense offerings. Due to increasing trade, the income from this temple rose significantly, allowing them to allocate funds to the new academy while maintaining support for the temple. The proposal received approval from the provincial governor, leading to the establishment of the academy, which gradually gained prominence. The goal was to cultivate individuals who valued righteousness and adhered to ethical principles.
Memorial Tablets
The Zhongling Academy features two tablets: the Zhongling Academy Inscription (钟灵书院碑记) and the Approval Inscription Tablet (遵批谕饬碑). These tablets are situated 0.5 meters apart, facing west. The first tablet faces south, while the second faces north, both erected in February of the first year of the Guangxu era (光绪, 1875). Made of blue stone, they are inscribed in regular script (楷书). Originally, both tablets were located inside the eastern room of the academy’s entrance.
The tablets commemorate the approval for the establishment of the academy and provide insights into its historical context, reflecting the community’s commitment to education and cultural development.
Protection Measures
In June 2023, Zhongling Academy was listed as part of the second batch of immovable revolutionary cultural relics in Yunnan Province, highlighting its importance in the preservation of revolutionary history.
How to Get There (Transportation)
To reach Zhongling Academy, you can take a bus or taxi from Qujing City center to Lujiang County. Once in Lujiang, Majiang Primary School is a recognizable landmark, making the academy easy to locate.
Travel Tips for This Attraction
- Plan Your Visit: Check local schedules to ensure you have ample time to explore the academy and surrounding areas.
- Respect the Site: As a cultural heritage site, maintain a respectful attitude while visiting and refrain from loud conversations.
- Photography: Capture the beauty of the inscriptions and surroundings, but always ask for permission if photographing people.
- Local Cuisine: Consider trying local dishes in Lujiang County for an immersive experience of the region’s culture.
- Guided Tours: If available, join guided tours to gain deeper insights into the history and significance of the academy.
