Zhenjian Family Academy: A Must-Visit Spot in Foshan

Guangdong Province's Foshan City is a globally renowned destination for tourism and leisure, attracting visitors from all over the world. Today, we recommend a trending attraction: Zhenjian Family Academy. This site is free to visit and was one of the filming locations for the series 'Twelve Peaks.' Zhenjian Family Academy is a traditional Chinese private school or family academy commonly found in historical architecture. It served as a place for educating family descendants, combining cultural heritage with family education. 1. Background Information Definition of Family Academy: A family academy was a private educational institution established by large families in ancient times to educate their descendants. Typically funded by the family, it employed teachers to instruct Confucian classics, poetry, etiquette, and more, aiming to prepare students for civil service exams or to cultivate moral character. The meaning of 'Zhenjian': 'Zhen' symbolizes steadfastness, loyalty, and upright virtue, while 'Jian' implies strength, resilience, and vitality. The name likely reflects the family's dual aspirations for their descendants' moral integrity and physical well-being. 2. Architectural and Cultural Features Location and Layout: Family academies were often located near ancestral halls or within family estates, surrounded by tranquil environments. They typically featured one or two courtyards with lecture halls, study rooms, and libraries. Decorative Elements: Door plaques and couplets often bore motivational inscriptions (e.g., 'Loyalty and kindness sustain a family, poetry and books pass on through generations'). Some academies also showcased brick or wood carvings with educational themes like 'Carp Leaping Over the Dragon Gate' or 'Kui Star Pointing the Dipper.' This site is perfect for sightseeing, leisure, and photography! Address: No. 12, East of Changqi Second Team Village, Sanshui District Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM