Donglin Academy

[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Donglin Academy was built in 1111, during the reign of Emperor Shenzong of the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), when it became a center for the discussion of state affairs.

There are a variety of architecture types in the Ming and Qing dynasty styles. Couplets written by famous poet Gu Xiancheng show the ambition of the author and are well known in Chinese culture. 

Tips

Location: Sujia Lane, No 867 East Jiefang Road, Liangxi district, Wuxi

Tel: +86-510-82706231

Tickets: 16 yuan ($2.43)/adult

Opening hours: 8:30 – 17:00

Public transportation: Bus No 3, 15, 57, 55 and 712 to Donglin Academy Station.

Travel guide

The academy opens for free during the Xu Xiake Travel Day.

It takes 15 minutes to walk from the academy to Wuxi Railway Station, with visiting times lasting roughly 1 hour.

On weekends, reading classes are available for students at the ages of three to ten.