Xinzhou Xiurong Academy｜Reading the Long Scroll of Blue Tiles, Enjoying a Half-Day of Autumn Leisure

In the ancient city of Xinzhou, I found the most tranquil spot of this trip—Xiurong Academy. This academy, built along the terrain of Jiulonggang Mountain, consists of upper, middle, and lower courtyards stacked in a staggered layout, resembling a slowly unfolding three-dimensional landscape painting. Although the sky was overcast when I visited, the courtyard was soaked in autumn colors, with yellow leaves contrasting against the blue bricks and gray tiles, unexpectedly creating a quiet and profound charm. 📖 My Walking Route 1️⃣ Starting at the Opera Stage: First, I climbed uphill to the teahouse opera stage. In front of the Qing Dynasty opera stage, a troupe of women dressed in red was rehearsing, their voices carried away by the wind. I framed the distant city tower and the fleeting moments nearby through the wooden door of the teahouse like a painting. 2️⃣ Looking Back at the Ancient Locust Tree: Passing through the courtyard and climbing to the platform, I turned around to see a large locust tree standing tall in the center of the courtyard like a standout in the forest, its canopy like an umbrella, supporting the sky of the locust tree courtyard and guarding a century of scholarly fragrance. 3️⃣ Climbing High to Enjoy the View: At the top of the hexagonal pavilion, the full view of the academy unfolded. The blue tiles stretched like frozen waves, majestic and grand. Looking closely at the Xieshan roof of the Wenchang Hall, it resembled a giant "heavenly book" turned upside down on the hall, with the glazed ridge as sharp and bright as a book spine. Two rows of cypress trees stood solemnly in front of the hall, full of artistic conception. 4️⃣ Strolling Through the Middle Courtyard: Walking down into the middle courtyard felt like stepping into a garden painting. The plaque "Wen Yun Heng Chang" (Everlasting Literary Fortune) in front of Wenchang Hall carries ancient hopes; beside it, in front of Yiluan Hall, two jujube trees hung with red "little lanterns." As someone from Jiangnan, I looked up for a long time. When the wind blew, ripe jujubes fell with a "plop," the crispest sentence of autumn. 5️⃣ Distant View and Return: From the platform, I gazed at the three city towers of the ancient city in full view. Finally, I walked down the stone steps of the "Path through the Mountain of Books," bringing this academy stroll to a perfect close. There are no noisy tourists here, only the rustling of leaves in the wind, faint opera melodies, and the sound of my own footsteps. Every turn, every glance back, is a private conversation with history, architecture, and autumn. The so-called "stealing leisure" is probably about giving yourself back to this land, becoming an ancient person with nothing to do for half a day. If you are tired of crowds and want to find a truly quiet and characterful place, Xiurong Academy is waiting for you. Ancient City Academy Ancient Architecture Time to See Shanxi Travel Diary Travel Destinations of Ancient Architecture Tourism Xinzhou Tourism