# Shigu Academy (石鼓书院)

Mount Heng (Nanyue Hengshan), Hunan Province · Central China, China · Guidebook rating: 3/5
Canonical: https://cnatrip.com/en/places/shigu-academy
Language: en

## Key facts

- **Admission:** Free (reservation required)
- **Opening hours:** 8：30—17：00
- **Time needed:** 3–4 hours
- **Address:** Beside Qingcao Bridge, Shigu District, Hengyang City
- **Getting there:** Near Shigu Academy (bus stop)
- **Good for:** Architecture

## About Shigu Academy

One of the “Four Great Academies of Tianxia” (天下四书院) in the early Song dynasty, alongside Yingtian Academy, White Deer Grotto Academy and Yuelu Academy. Since ancient times it has been a favourite of literati. Su Shi, Zhou Dunyi, Zhu Xi, Cai Runan and other historical figures taught here, while Li Daoyuan, Zeng Guofan, Peng Yulin and others came to lecture, compose poems, inscribe stone tablets or simply enjoy the scenery, making it a magnificent sight.

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Source: China Self-Guided Travel 2025 (《中国自助游》, Tianjin Science & Technology Press, Aug 2024), p. 1997. Prices, hours and transport details are as printed in the August 2024 edition and may have changed. Always confirm with the venue before you travel.
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