Must-visit in Hengyang, Hunan: Shigu Academy

First time visiting Hengyang, Hunan, just 1.5 hours by high-speed train from Guangzhou. In Hengyang city, there is Shigu Academy. If you come to travel, remember to check in here. Shigu Academy was built in the Tang Dynasty, with a history of over 1,000 years. It was named by Emperor Taizong of the Song Dynasty and is one of the four great academies of ancient China. Xu Xiake once praised Shigu Academy for having the advantages of both Tengwang Pavilion and Yellow Crane Tower. It was originally a Taoist temple, but later converted into an academy as people came to study. Shigu Academy is built on Shigu Mountain, surrounded by the Xiangjiang, Zhengshui, and Leishui rivers. Throughout the year, you can see the confluence of the three rivers, presenting two distinct colors, which is quite magical. The academy has various buildings such as Yubei Pavilion, Shanmen, Shushe, Wuhou Temple, Li Zhongjie Gong Temple, Daguan Building, and Hejiang Pavilion, all built along the mountain, offering scenic views everywhere. 📍Shigu Academy: No. 69, Xiangjiang North Road, Xiaoxiang Street, Shigu District, Hengyang City, Hunan Province 🎫Tickets: Free, reservation required ⌚️Opening hours: 08:30-17:00