[2025 Hengyang Attraction] Travel Guide for Shigu Academy (Updated Jan)

Hunan Hengyang Shigu Academy Guide Shigu Academy is located in Hengyang, Hunan Province. It was built in the mid-Tang Dynasty on Shigu Mountain, which is surrounded by the Zheng River, Xiang River, and the distant Lei River. The mountain extends from the land into the water, and its body almost hangs down on all sides, resembling a large drum, hence the name Shigu Academy. The academy has experienced many ups and downs over its thousand-year history. In modern times, the ancient buildings here were repeatedly bombed and destroyed by the Japanese invaders, but they have been rebuilt in the style of the Qing Dynasty, retaining their ancient charm. Although the ground buildings have been destroyed and rebuilt several times with the changes of history, the cultural heritage has been passed down. As an important birthplace of Huxiang culture and one of the four major academies of the Song Dynasty, Shigu Academy has been quietly educating people and promoting culture for thousands of years. Famous figures such as Zhuge Liang of the Three Kingdoms period, Du Fu and Han Yu of the Tang Dynasty, Zhu Xi and Zhang Shi of the Song Dynasty, and Wang Fuzhi of the Ming Dynasty have all left their marks and stories here, which can be found in the academy. Highlights: There are many cliff inscriptions on both sides of Shigu Mountain under the academy, with more than 30 in total, spanning from the Tang Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty. The inscriptions are in various styles, including regular script, clerical script, and cursive script, hidden between moss and rocks. Well-preserved inscriptions include Xixi, Jiangshang Qingfeng, Zhengxiang, Jieya, and Gaoshan Liushui. You can stroll along the secluded riverbank under the cliff to find these hidden and lively characters, which is quite interesting.

Hengyang is a city with a long history and beautiful scenery. Here are some highlights of Hengyang tourism: • Mount Heng: As one of the Five Great Mountains of China, Mount Heng is famous for its beautiful peaks, ancient trees, and numerous temples. You can climb to the top and enjoy the spectacular view of the sea of clouds and the continuous mountains. The ancient sites such as Nanyue Temple and Zhuru Peak are also worth visiting. • Shigu Academy: One of the four great academies of ancient China, it carries a thousand years of cultural heritage. The ancient buildings and quiet environment in the academy make people feel as if they can hear the sound of ancient scholars reading aloud. • Huiyan Peak: Located in the south of Hengyang City, it is the first of the seventy-two peaks of Mount Heng. In autumn and winter, the northern geese fly south and stop here, hence the name "Huiyan Peak." The mountains and rivers here are beautiful and the scenery is pleasant. • Dongzhou Island: Located in the middle of the Xiang River in the southeast of Hengyang City, it is a beautiful island surrounded by water on all sides. The island is shaded by green trees and filled with the fragrance of flowers, like a paradise. • Yueping Park: One of the largest parks in Hengyang City, it integrates natural scenery, cultural landscapes, and leisure and entertainment. The park has lakes, flower beds, pavilions, and other landscapes arranged in an orderly manner. • Cailun Bamboo Sea: Located in Leiyang City, Hengyang, it is the largest contiguous bamboo forest in China. The bamboo forest here is full of slopes, and the bamboo paths are winding, famous for the "green, cool, and beautiful" scenery of bamboo. • Hengyang Defense War Memorial Hall: A memorial hall built to commemorate an important battle in the Chinese War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, with a large number of precious historical relics and photos on display. • Luo Ronghuan's Former Residence: Located in Nanwan Village, Ronghuan Town, Hengdong County, Hengyang City, it is the former residence of Luo Ronghuan, one of China's top ten marshals, and displays the life and historical culture of General Luo Ronghuan. • Laiyan Tower: One of the iconic buildings in Hengyang and a must-visit attraction for tourists. • Huaguo Mountain: Mainly characterized by Danxia landform, it is themed on Huaguo Mountain in Journey to the West, creating the characteristic and essence of the plot in the TV series Journey to the West. Hengyang not only has rich natural scenery but also has a profound cultural heritage, making it a tourist destination worth visiting.

🏝Shigu Academy is one of the four great academies of ancient China. This thousand-year-old institution is located on Shigu Mountain in Shigu District, Hengyang City, Hunan Province. It is one of the important birthplaces of Hunan culture and the most sacred place in Hunan. Shigu Academy was built in the fifth year of the Yuanhe period of the Tang Dynasty (810 AD) and has a history of more than 1,200 years. Shigu Mountain is surrounded by water on three sides, with the Zhengshui River, Xiangjiang River, and Leishui River forming a unique geographical landscape, earning it the reputation of "a beautiful landscape of rivers and mountains." 🏝On January 24, 2011, Shigu Academy was announced as part of the ninth batch of provincial-level cultural relics protection units by the People's Government of Hunan Province as part of the Shigu Cliff Inscriptions (including Shigu Academy). On May 12, 2016, Shigu Academy was rated as a national 4A-level tourist attraction. 🏝Shigu Academy mainly consists of buildings such as the Wuhou Temple, Li Zhongjie Temple, Daguan Building, Seven Sages Temple, Jingye Hall, and Hejiang Pavilion. It was once famous for its large collection of books, strong academic atmosphere, and great achievements, and is one of the earliest private academies in ancient China. 🏝The academy is surrounded by beautiful scenery, with lush green trees, pavilions, and flying eaves. From a high vantage point, you can see the endless green waters of the Xiangjiang and Leishui Rivers flowing towards Dongting Lake. 🚥[Transportation Guide] ⭐️Take Hengyang Bus No. 105, 106, 116, 128, 143, or 162 to Shigu Academy (Shigu Square) Station.

Shigu Academy in Hengyang is located on Shigu Mountain in Hengyang City, Hunan Province. It is one of the famous ancient academies. Shigu Academy was built in the Tang Dynasty and has undergone many reconstructions and reconstructions. It developed especially in the Song Dynasty and became an important academic and educational center in the area of Mount Heng in the south. The academy is located in a superior geographical location, surrounded by mountains and rivers, with beautiful scenery. The architectural style of Shigu Academy is elegant, reflecting the characteristics of traditional academies. The academy is equipped with lecture halls, libraries, courtyards, and other facilities, providing a good learning environment for students. Historically, Shigu Academy has cultivated a large number of literati and scholars, becoming an important base for cultural exchanges and Confucianism at that time. Shigu Academy was especially prosperous in the Song Dynasty and was as famous as Yuelu Academy. Due to historical changes, the academy has been destroyed many times. The existing Shigu Academy was rebuilt in the Qing Dynasty and has been repaired many times since then. Today, Shigu Academy has become an important cultural site, a place for tourists and scholars to admire history and experience traditional culture, and one of the key protected cultural relics in Hunan Province.

✨Shigu Academy, along with Songyang Academy, Bailudong Academy, and Yuelu Academy, are known as the four great academies of ancient China. ✨Shigu Academy is located in Shigu District, Hengyang City, Hunan Province. It was first established in the fifth year of Yuanhe in the Tang Dynasty (810 AD) and is one of the important birthplaces of Hunan culture. ✨Shigu Academy is mainly composed of Wuhou Temple, Li Zhongjie Temple, Daguan Tower, Qixian Temple, Jingye Hall, Hejiang Pavilion and other buildings. It was once famous for its large collection of books, prosperous academic style, and great achievements. It is the earliest academy in ancient China founded by private individuals. ✨The academy is beautiful, with green trees, pavilions, and flying eaves. From a high place, you can see the green water, the endless Xiang River and Lei River, which stretch all the way to Dongting Lake. 🎫Tickets: Free. Online reservation required 🕘Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9:00~17:00 🌳Nearby attractions: Huiyan Peak, Dongzhou Island, Hengyang Railway Museum, Baoweili Cultural and Creative Street 🍽️Recommended food: Hengyang fish noodles, Zizhulin braised noodles, Shiwan crispy tripe, fried hemp crutches, raw boiled noodles, etc., basically will not step on thunder.

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

Don't just focus on Changsha when traveling in Hunan! Hengyang, this treasure city in southern Hunan, boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage, magnificent natural scenery, and a variety of delicious foods 🥰. With the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays approaching, come and experience the unique charm of Hengyang! 🌄 Recommended Attractions: 📍 Mount Hengshan: One of the Five Great Mountains of China, located in the Nanyue District of Hengyang City. Known as "The Most Beautiful of the Five Mountains", "The Longevity Mountain of China", and "A Sacred Place of Religion", it lives up to its reputation. The towering Zhuhong Peak, the ancient and mysterious Cangjing Pavilion, the lively and beautiful Water Curtain Cave, and the serene and tranquil Fangguang Temple all showcase the unique charm of Mount Hengshan. You can take an eco-friendly car to easily reach the mountain or hike to enjoy the scenic beauty along the way. 📍 Nanyue Grand Temple: Built during the Sui Dynasty, it is a place to worship the Holy Emperor of Nanyue. The temple has eight Taoist temples to the east and eight Buddhist temples to the west, coexisting with Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. It is the largest traditional cultural museum and art hall in the south, truly deserving the title of "The Forbidden City of the South". 📍 Shigu Academy: Originated in the Tang Dynasty and flourished in the Song Dynasty, it is located at the confluence of the Zheng, Xiang, and Lei rivers, one of the birthplaces of Huxiang culture. The two-meter-high stone drum stands tall, a granite long bridge spans across, with gentle riverbanks below, and Shigu Mountain surrounded by water on three sides and lush trees, creating a beautiful environment. It is an academy of ink and books that has spanned a thousand years. 📍 Cailun Bamboo Sea: Covering 160,000 acres of continuous bamboo forest, it is the largest contiguous bamboo sea in China. The spectacular bamboo forest scenery is mesmerizing, and you can also learn about the history and culture of Cailun's papermaking. Strolling along the bamboo forest paths, breathing in the fresh air, you feel as if you are in a green world. 🚄 Travel Tips: 🌟 From Guangzhou, you can take a high-speed train to Hengshan West Station to visit Mount Hengshan first, then take a bullet train to Hengyang East Station to visit Shigu Academy. 🌟 To visit Cailun Bamboo Sea, go to Leiyang first and then transfer to the appropriate transportation. 🍲 Hengyang Cuisine: 🥢 Hengdong Crispy Tripe, with a crispy and tender texture, spicy and delicious, is a must-try. 🥢 Hengyang Rice Noodles, available in various flavors such as fish noodles, braised noodles, minced meat noodles, raw noodles, and pork noodles. The rice noodles are smooth, and the broth is rich, a must-try when visiting Hengyang. 💕 Come to Hengyang! Start an exciting journey and feel the unique charm of this city. 🎉

🎉 With two months to go until the National Day holiday, why not take an impromptu trip this weekend? Hengyang, a city where history and modernity intertwine, is waiting for you to discover! 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations: Choose hotels near Nanhua University or Jiefang Road, which are affordable and located in bustling commercial areas, making it convenient to explore every corner of Hengyang. 🏞️ Attraction Guide: 1. Dongzhou Island - Hengyang's Orange Isle, full of ancient charm. Dongzhou Bridge, Chuanshan Academy, Luohan Temple, and Confucius Tower are all great spots for taking photos. 2. Baoweili & Hengyang Railway Museum - Free admission. The newly renovated Baoweili is even more photogenic, making it a perfect choice for a girls' outing. 3. Shigu Academy - One of the four great academies of ancient times, with a serene environment and dense trees, making it an excellent place for a city walk. 📅 Itinerary: Day 1: Enjoy Hengyang's local cuisine at Suiyuan Tuscai, with a variety of flavors to satisfy different tastes. Day 2: Start from Baoweili, stroll to Dongzhou Island, and feel the ancient charm of Hengyang. Day 3: Taste authentic local food at the Tuscai Research Institute, then head to Shigu Academy to experience the tranquility and wisdom of the academy. 📸 Hengyang is not just a city; it's a piece of history, a culture, and a perfect weekend choice. Don't hesitate, pack your bags, come to Hengyang, and enjoy an unforgettable weekend!

If it's your first time to Hengyang, I recommend playing like this‼️ A super complete two-day one-night travel guide to Hengyang for the weekend is ready, come on ✅Attraction recommendations: ① Dongzhou Island A must-visit cultural attraction in Hengzhou, the Chuanshan Academy on the island is the most famous academy of the late Qing Dynasty, which has been renovated by later generations and is filled with the fragrance of books. There is also an 800-year-old camphor tree at the entrance, and the environment is great! ② Hengyang Railway Museum Witness the development history of Hengyang's railways, a small two-story building with many exhibits on display, and the train next to the square at the entrance is very photogenic. Opening hours Monday to Saturday 9:00-17:00 ③ Baoweili A cultural and creative district hidden in the alleys, with interesting walls and murals, and quite a few cultural and creative installations worth checking in~ Friends who love to take photos must go and visit! ④ Shigu Academy One of the four great academies of ancient times, Shigu Academy, can be booked in advance. The academy is not big, and it takes more than half an hour to visit, and the environment is great~ ⑤ Shifu Road/Jiefang Road Hengyang's snack city, a bit like Changsha's Wuyi Square, is conveniently located with many types of food! Local specialties, street snacks, and drinks are all very complete~ PS: All of the above attractions are free, just book in advance~ 🍜Food recommendations: Shengji: Hunan taste dishes are very solid 322 Pork Rice Noodle Shop: The minced meat noodles are quite clear but tasty Sheng Tun Ji Fish Noodles: Of course, you have to try noodles when you come to Hengyang Stinky tofu, little pig duck heads, etc. 🛏️Accommodation: Staying near the old city area is more convenient Citywalk Check in Hengyang food, fun 🚄High-speed rail arrival Convenient transportation 🌿Have a pleasant journey~

Hengyang's city attractions are relatively concentrated, if the itinerary is full, you can basically finish all the popular attractions in one day, and it's enough to play slowly for two days😌 (If you want to go to Hengshan, you need to reserve at least one extra day! For specific strategies, see the previous article) 1⃣Dongzhou Island (a must-visit attraction, one of the eight ancient Hengzhou sceneries) After having breakfast at eight o'clock, we set off. We were surprised why there were no tourists near Dongzhou Island. We found out from the announcement at the entrance that the scenic area was temporarily closed due to the rain a few days ago. We couldn't go to the Shushan Academy either, we only took a picture of Figure 2, and rounded it up as if we had been there😭Tourists must ask in advance before going!!! 2⃣Hengyang Railway Museum (the development history of Hengyang Railway) Then we took a taxi to the Railway Museum, a two-story small building, with small rooms for display, and it can be visited in a while. The train next to the square at the entrance is very photogenic. (Opening hours Monday to Saturday 9:00-17:00) 3⃣Baoweili (a cultural and creative block hidden in the alley) Coming out of the Railway Museum, walk along the small road on the left of the museum gate for a few minutes to get there. The walls on both sides of the alley are mainly yellow, full of artistic graffiti, worth a look! If you love photography, you must go! It's very photogenic! (It's near noon at this time, after taking some photos, go to have lunch and rest at the hotel) 4⃣Shigu Academy (one of the four ancient academies) Avoid the hottest hours, set off for Shigu Academy at three o'clock, there are not many tourists, you can make an appointment at the door. The academy is not big, you can visit it in more than half an hour, it closes at five o'clock in the afternoon, just control the time. 5⃣Nanyue First Peak (the first of the seventy-two peaks of Nanyue) Also known as Huiyan Peak, the last stop of the day is planned to watch the sunset here, but it is not as high as imagined, and it can reach the top in five minutes. When we went there, the Yanfeng Temple on the mountain was already closed. If you want to burn incense and pray for blessings, you should go earlier. 6⃣Jiefang Road Pedestrian Street Walk around the most prosperous commercial area at night🌃, a boulevard + small alleys can be strolled for a long time, a lot of delicious food! 🍵I drank the tea Yan Yue color that I haven't drunk for a long time, 🍜I ate not stinky tofu, very fragrant little pig duck head, special yellow sand bone powder, authentic war brine powder + countless snacks, it's easy to gain three pounds! 7⃣Hengyang Museum I went to the museum before going to the station the next day and saw the treasure of the town hall-animal lifting beam pot🤔. The small two-story museum can also be visited in a while, and few people go😂It's completely ok to make an appointment if you want to go temporarily (Note❗From July 1st, the opening hours will be changed to Tuesday to Sunday 9:00-12:00, 13:00-17:00) 👉PS. If you only have one day of travel time, you can shorten the lunch break, go to the museum first and then go to Shigu Academy, you can go at noon to enjoy the air conditioning The attractions in Hengyang city are basically on both sides of the Xiangjiang River, and all the places I went to🈚are free! Just make an appointment! I recommend staying near Jiefang Avenue, close to the food street and most of the attractions, you can walk or share, but it's too hot in the afternoon🔥I suggest taking a taxi or a motorcycle on the side of the road

Shigu Academy is an important birthplace of Hunan and Hubei culture and a landmark of Hengyang culture. As the fourth stop in the historical and cultural exploration of Jiangxi, Hunan, Guangxi, and Guangdong provinces, we came to Shigu Academy in Shigu District, Hengyang, the second largest city in Hunan. Here, the lush forests and bamboo, the confluence of two rivers, and the fresh air; the pavilions and buildings, the levels are staggered, and the repairs are new; the Yanyan Tower can be vaguely distinguished, standing on the shore, there is really a 'far view of the tower has color, listen quietly The artistic conception of the cold pine wind makes people linger. The academy was originally built by Han Yu and gradually formed through expansion and repair over the generations. Among them, Su Dongpo, Wang Yangming and others came here to lecture, leaving many good words. Although the academy has experienced vicissitudes of life, it remains unchanged in wind and rain, leaving behind the inheritance of the spirit of Hunan and Hubei culture. The academy has 'Three Wonders' that are difficult for the world to understand: books that cannot be turned, characters that cannot be recognized, and drums that cannot be sounded. Its connotation is rich, adding interest to the history of the academy, and leaving us with deep memories and good times.

In Hengyang, Hunan, there is an ancient and quiet academy, which is Shigu Academy. Over the years, this academy is like a long river of history, quietly watching the passage of time. Shigu Academy, lying in the embrace of Hengyang City, seems to be a book of vicissitudes left by the years. Walking among them, it seems that you can hear the sound of ancient book pages turning, the ancient stone drums and the melodious book sounds blend with each other, outlining an ancient and quiet picture. The bluestone path in the courtyard, like a tunnel of time, leads tourists through thousands of years. The towering ancient trees seem to be whispering the stories of history, and the stone carved railings show a different elegance in the baptism of the years. A stone drum, engraved with the ink treasures of literati a thousand years ago, carries the thoughts of the wise, as if presenting the heaviness of history one by one. Climbing the loft of Shigu Academy, overlooking the surroundings, the mountains are stacked, as if in a fairyland. The distant river, like a quietly flowing thought, carries the precipitation of ancient culture. Being here, it seems to be talking with history, feeling the vicissitudes of thousands of years. Shigu Academy is not only an ancient building, but also a witness of time. It precipitates the essence of culture, carries the wisdom of the ancients, and is a cultural pearl of Hengyang City. Walking in this ocean of culture, it seems that you can hear the melodious melody of history and feel the quietness of the years. In this ancient academy, time seems to stand still, but the glory of history is eternal here. Shigu Academy, like an ancient classic, opens its chapters and invites every traveler to leave their own footnotes in the scroll of history.