The Donglin Academy of Classical Learning was founded in 1111 during the Northern Song Dynasty. For a long time, it was a place where lectures were given by the famous scholar Yang Shi before changing into a monk’s residence.

During the Ming Dynasty in 1604, Gu Xiancheng, a dismissed official returning to his hometown, together with Gao Panlong and his younger brother Gu Yuncheng, raised money to restore the academy. Following its restoration, the three gave lectures there.

The three learned scholars called themselves “Donglin People” and pointed out what they considered to be social evils and corruptions. They were also keen on fostering innovation and reformation.

Donglin people stole the show at their time. They were taken as examples by Chinese scholars and influenced an enormous amount of people. Donglin Academy became the most influential learning place along South Yangtze River.

By 1625, the eunuch clique had changed the law and issued an imperial edict to destroy all academies around the country. As an influential learning school, Donglin bore the brunt of the disaster. Its buildings were ruined and the lecturers that were condemned as the ‘Donglin clique’ were persecuted.

When Emperor Chongzhen took to power in 1628, he punished the eunuch clique and the Donglin People were exonerated. In 1629, Wu Guisen was ordered to restore the academy. Wu rebuilt the Lize Hall, constructed the Lafu Study area and gave lectures himself. Later, in the Qing dynasty, after being repaired several times, the academy returned its original appearance.

In 1902 during the Qing Dynasty, the academy was changed into a public school, later called Donglin Primary School. By 1947, during the Republic of China (A.D.1947), the academy was completely renovated.

After being repaired on numerous occasions, such as in 1982 and 1994, the Wuxi government decided to undertake a comprehensive restoration of Donglin Academy in 2002. Following the restoration, main buildings such as the Stone Memorial Archway, Pan Pond, Exquisite Rooms of Donglin, Lize Hall, Yiyong Hall and Yanju Temple, among others, now resemble their original appearance during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911).

After the War of liberation (1946-49), Donglin Academy successively obtained the honor of becoming a National Cultural Heritage Conservation Site, AAAA National Tourist Attraction and provincial Patriotism Education Base.

Gu Xiancheng once composed a famous antithetical couplet, which reads, “The sound of winds, raindrops and readings enter my ears, the affairs of families, nations and world attract my attention.” The couplet attracted many followers, who adopted it as a motto. It now hangs in Yiyong Hall.

Donglin Academy of Classical Learning occupies an important position in China’s history, regardless of politics, ideology, culture or education. Clean-handed Donglin scholars paid much attention to rigorous study and righteous behaviors. They earnestly practiced, preached and struggled for reform. They were warm-hearted patriots. All their virtues composed a part of ancient Chinese essential cultural legacy.

The Donglin spirit of ‘studying to save the world’ and ‘regarding world affairs as their own responsibilities’ have been passed down for over 400 years. It will unremittingly enlighten, educate and inspire people to struggle for the social and civil progress.

The front door of Donglin Academy [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Lize Hall in Donglin Academy [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Pleasure Seeking Resort (Xunle Building) in Donglin Academy [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Donglin Academy is covered by snow. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]