Fuzhou, Fujian: Climbing the Pinnacle of Achievement – A Literary Haven at Ao Feng Fang
The Road to Achieving Prominence
In a few more days, senior high school students will return to school. You will spend the final months of your middle school career, and you will face a crucial race – a hundred-meter dash in your life.
I suggest that students come to stroll through Ao Feng Fang and its surrounding areas before or when they feel they are particularly fatigued in reviewing. Let's enjoy a relaxing walk and soak in the literary atmosphere.
Ao Feng Fang is located east of Wuyi Road and west of Fahua Road, it is not big or small, not long or short
Ao Feng Fang Historical and Cultural Block is based on ancient academy culture and imperial examination culture.
When you go to Ao Feng Fang, the 'Ao Feng Academy' is a must-visit. The academy is in the middle of the lane, and is now located within the current Fujian Education University's Second Primary School.
This was originally the private residence of Song Jiechun, a jinshi of the Ming Dynasty. In the 46th year of the Kangxi reign, Zhang Bingxing, a renowned scholar and governor of Fujian, expanded it and established 'Ao Feng Academy'. At that time, there were over 200 study rooms, a garden, and a large lotus pond, surrounded by artificial hills, stone caves, buildings, pavilions, ponds, and towers, with lush rows of pine, cypress, bamboo, and willow trees. We can still see a remnant of its former glory from the remaining artificial hill inside the primary school gate. It is said that the lychees planted in the academy were particularly famous.
The site of Ao Feng Academy is behind this wall
Every early February, the academy announced exams. Applicants were selected from across the province, including talented college students, young scholars, and students. The academy invited prominent figures to teach at the academy, and provided free meals to students. Every month, the principal (Mountain Master) would preside over learning and testing. On the 15th of each month, the principal would organize examinations with the assistance of the Minister and Governor. Examinations were held before the 15th of February. Until 1905, 163 scholars and 700 more people were selected. Lin Xu, Liang Zhangu, and Lan Dingyuan were all graduates of Ao Feng Academy.
Ao Feng Academy was once hailed as 'the first academy in southeast China', and was the first and largest renowned academy in Fujian during the Qing Dynasty. The imperial court attached great importance to the construction of the academy. The Kangxi and Qianlong Emperors donated money and inscribed plaques.
In the 31st year of the Qing Dynasty (1905), the examination system was abolished, and the academy was transformed into 'School Officer's Residence', and later into the Fujian Law and Political Academy.
During the Xinhai Revolution, the academy was destroyed by fire, and the original layout was gone except for one artificial hill.
You can see the fame of Zhu Purple Tile City from here
Secondly, especially science students, should visit the site of Gao Shiqiu's residence to study and learn
Gao Shiqiu, nicknamed 'the unyielding scientist' and a popular science writer, was originally named Gao Shiqiu, he said 'throw away the 'N' of official position, throw away the 'M' of money'. He was determined to serve the country through science. During a research on the brain virus, he was infected and left a lifelong disability, but he insisted on completing his doctoral studies in the United States. After returning, he participated in the revolution in Yan'an and joined the Communist Party. Gao Shiqiu passed away in 1988, and the Ministry of Education confirmed him as a 'National Hero'. The International Small Stars Committee also named a planet 'Gao Shiqiu Star'.
Gao Shiqiu's photo (provided free of charge by today's headline, thank you for your support!)
Gao Shiqiu's residence was originally built in the Ming Dynasty and was originally the villa of scholar Zheng Xianfu, later purchased by Gao Shiqiu's ancestors. It was announced as a provincial-level cultural relic protection unit in 2018, and is a famous residence of a celebrity protected by the Fujian Municipal Government.
The lane is quite winding, boldly go forward, and a high school student's strength can reach the peak of the 'Prominence Hill'
Third, walk along the 'Prominence Road' uphill to reach the summit of 'Prominence Hill'. 'Prominence Hill' is also known as 'Ao Ding Feng'. In the Southern Song Dynasty, a champion, Chen Chengzuo, used to study here. He was a high school champion, hence the name 'Prominence Hill'. The name 'Ao Feng Fang' originated from 'Ao Ding Feng'
If you have ample time, you can also visit the nearby 'Temple of Confucius' 'to pay your respects'.
Mr. Zhu wishes everyone 'to reach the top and be granted gold medals' and 'to have their names recorded in the golden list'.
Stand at the staircase of Prominence Hill to ascend
