Wenjin Academy in Wuhan city, Central China's Hubei province. [Photo by Zhang Xingjian/chinadaily.com.cn] |
Wenjin Academy, also known as Confucius' Temple in Hubei, is situated at the south hillside of Confucius Mountain beside the Wenjin River. Built during the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 24), it is the oldest and biggest Confucius Temple in China's history.
The academy carries historical and cultural importance for national tourism development.
The academy's name refers to the literary phrase, "Confucius sent Zi Lu to ask for directions."
Throughout its history, Wenjin Academy stood as equal with the Yuelu Academy in Hunan province, Donglin Academy in Jiangsu province, Bailudong Academy in Jiangxi province. A total of 387 scholars studied at the academy from the Song to Qi dynasties (420-502) (please double-check this information). Thanks to its contributions to Chinese education, the academy has been included in The History of China's Academies.