The ruins of the Jixia Academy were found in Zibo city in East China's Shandong province after five years of research, according to news released by the Shandong Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology.

Outside the west gate of the ancient city of Qi State in Linzi, which is now a district of Zibo city in Shandong province, the remains of the Jixia Academy have been confirmed. Linzi is a well-known name among those who are familiar with ancient Chinese history, and it is one of the oldest Chinese cities still inhabited today.

Experts said that the Jixia Academy was built in Linzi more than 2,000 years ago, and is considered to be the first university in China.

During the Warring States Period, it was Qi's highest educational institution (475-221 BC). It was also the site of debates and minglings of various schools of thought, including Confucianism, Taoism, Legalism, and others, which is how Chinese philosophy is commonly regarded to have emerged in the first place.

The site of the Jixia Academy is said to be of inestimable value to Zibo, which is building a demonstration area about Qi cultural heritage and innovation.

The ruins of the Jixia Academy are found in Zibo city in East China's Shandong province after five years of research. [Photo/WeChat account: CNS-SD]