Guiyang, the Holy Land of Confucianism—Kong Xuetang

Since the establishment of Guizhou Province over 600 years ago, Guiyang has always been the capital of Guizhou Province. As the capital, Guiyang is not only the political hub of Guizhou Province but also the center of culture and education. From Wang Yangming's enlightenment at Longchang to the glory of Guiyang Prefecture Confucian Temple and Guiyang Prefecture School, Guiyang has become the birthplace and prosperous land of Confucianism in Guizhou. However, as time passed, the once glorious Guiyang Prefecture Confucian Temple has long been gone without a trace, not even leaving behind a piece of tile. For a city with hundreds of years of Confucian history, this is undoubtedly a huge regret. But this regret has been completely alleviated with the completion and opening of Kong Xuetang, located in the Huaxi Ten Li River Beach Wetland Park. Kong Xuetang is the largest cultural construction project in Guiyang in the past twenty years. It is located in the middle section of the famous Huaxi Ten Li River Beach Wetland Park, backed by mountains, built along the water, and constructed following the terrain. A majestic complex of buildings with a gray-white color tone stands proudly in the world, adding a cultural atmosphere to the beautiful natural scenery of Huaxi and becoming a cultural highland of Guiyang. The entrance to Kong Xuetang is right next to the boardwalk of the Ten Li River Beach Wetland Park, with a group of Confucius's travel study sculptures clearly marking its belonging. Behind the tall Lingxing Gate is a broad and lofty staircase, like a ladder to heaven. Ascending the steps, the full-body statue of Confucius stands tall, looking back, the beautiful scenery of Huaxi is in full view. The main building of Kong Xuetang, the Dacheng Hall, is tall and majestic, with green mountains as the background, it appears even more atmospheric and imposing. The architectural style of the Qin and Han dynasties is understated and powerful. Although it is not ostentatious, it is full of grandeur. The Dacheng Hall is engraved with famous passages from the Analects, and the four corners are filled with cultural relics of the Six Arts. The hall is spacious and quiet, with the sound of reading coming from afar, and the atmosphere of the academy is already apparent. Behind the Dacheng Hall is the Apricot Altar, with two paths winding up the mountain. The mountain is covered with greenery, and the square in front of the Apricot Altar is filled with round stones, which serve as seats for people during events, and like smooth heads when there are no events, reminiscing the teachings of the Apricot Altar. Kong Xuetang is also Guiyang's center for the study and promotion of Chinese national culture. A large complex of buildings on the south side of the Dacheng Hall is the Six Arts Academy, where one can study traditional Six Arts culture. The Integrity Promotion Corridor winds along the mountain from the Six Arts Academy all the way to the National Culture Research Center at the foot of the mountain. As the academy and center of Confucianism in the new era, Kong Xuetang is a new cultural highland of Guizhou Province. Scholars of Chinese studies immerse themselves in learning here, hoping to refine traditional culture and provide traditional wisdom for today's society. People come here to commemorate the great sage Confucius, expressing the Chinese tradition of respecting teachers and valuing education, and also to experience the culture of Chinese studies, seeking solace in traditional culture on the eve of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.