Langshan Mountain-World Natural Heritage

On September 28th, the symposium on the reconstruction of Jincheng Academy and Wenchang Pavilion was held in Jinshi Town, Xinning county. With the theme of “Civilization creates the world, culture prospers the country”, this symposium was organized by Jincheng Academy of Classical Learning to gather people from all walks of life and local elites from Xinning county to warmly discuss the rebuilding of Wenchang Pavilion and Jincheng Academy.

 

Famous writer Mr. Zhou Xiaobo, who has been devoted to the cultural research of Xinning county’s academies for many years, reported to the attending guests on the historical evolution of the Wenchang Pavilion and Jincheng Academy of Classical Learning. The rise and fall of Jincheng Academy and Xinning’s cultural heritage have close relationship with the emergence of talented people. The reconstruction has historical origins and practical significance, and benefits the future. It not only inherits and promotes the virtues of the ancestors, but also inspires future generations, which is of great significance and urgency.

The attendees spoke up enthusiastically and unanimously suggested the reconstruction of Wenchang Pavilion, reaching a consensus on the site selection, construction scale and method. They urgently asked for the support and attention of the relevant regulatory authorities and all sectors of society, sincerely called on people of insight to contribute ideas and suggestions, and work together to actively promote the reconstruction.

The Jincheng Academy of Classical Learning was founded in the 24th year of the Kangxi reign (1685) and is highly renowned in history. Xinning county is the birthplace of the Xiang army, and a group of Xiang army (Chu Yong) generals such as Jiang Zhongyuan, Liu Changyou, and Liu Kun studied in Jincheng Academy and Yuelu Academy. At that time, Xinning county (though a small remote county) emerged with 241 court officials of fourth or higher rank, demonstrating a unique phenomenon of talent explosion and highlighting the influence of Huxiang Academy culture. In the 27th year of the Guangxu reign (1901), an edict was issued to transform the academies of various counties into small schools, and the Jincheng Academy withdrew from the historical stage. With the support of the county party committee and government, and with the promotion of a group of retired cadres and cultural figures such as Li Zhongping, Liu Liehong, Wang Ruiqian, Xiao Jianfeng, Xiao Fushan, Zhang Caishan, and Li Jinlan, Jincheng Academy of Classical Learning was reopened and resumed operation in 2018.