In recent years, Quanzhou has been promoting the development of its ancient academies, turning them into modern new institutions and injecting them with new vitality and functions.

From the Tang Dynasty (618-907) to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), 73 ancient academies were built in Quanzhou, East China's Fujian province. They have become important cultural symbols and unique elements of the historical and cultural city.

These academies were mainly located in Jinjiang and Nan'an county-level cities, and Anxi, Yongchun, Dehua, and Huian counties in Quanzhou.

Xiaoshan Congzhu Academy is one of the first batch of 11 ancient academies to be reconstructed in the city. Together with Quanshan Academy, Shijing Academy and Ouyang Academy, they were called the four most famous academies in Wenling (ancient Quanzhou).

Xiaoshan Congzhu Academy after its reconstruction. [Photo/fjsen.com]

Positioned as a historical and cultural park, it will be a way to spread the traditional culture of Quanzhou through themed cultural activities and exhibitions.

Zhengyin Academy is the first to be put into use in Quanzhou since the city launched its program of academy reconstruction. It originated from a phonetic training class set up by the royal court in the early Qing Dynasty.

Children learn about reading at Zhengyin Academy in Quanzhou. [Photo/fjsen.com]

Through a public reading program, it will build a youth literature improvement base in the city.

Quanzhou Cultural Tourism Group will expand the functions of the academies, including some business operations such as training and cultural and creative products, and open them to the public for free, building the academies into a new calling card for the city.