Yuelu Academy is not only one of the Four famous Ancient Academies, but also the most perfectly protected antique academy in China, lies near the Qingfeng Narrows on Mountain Yuelu at the bank of Xiangjiang River in Changsha City.
    It was established by Zhudong, magistrate of Tanzhou prefecture in 976 A.D at the time of the Northern Song Dynasty. The academy accepted disciples throughout the Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties. It was only in 1903 that the academy was transformed from a school of traditional Confucian learning to an insitute of higher learning and in 1926 it was officially named Hu'nan University.
    Early in 1015, Emperor Zhen Zong of the Song Dynasty awarded the academy hid Majesty's own handwriting “Yuelu Academy” on a tablet. From then on many famous scholars and great thinkers gave lectures here, among them were Zhangshi, Zhuxi and WangYangming, thus making a great impact on the province's culture and education. Most of the existing buildings here were constructions of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and the bulk of the engraved stone plates and inscribed tablets have all been kept intact. In 1956 the academy was listed as a historical site at the provincial level and later, in 1988 it became a historical site at the state level. The last restoration project started in 1981 and the major part was completed in 1987.
    The existing relics include the Schoolroom, Wenchang Pavilion, Liujunzi Hall, Xiangshuixiaojing Hall, Shiyiqi Hall, Banxue Room, Lecture Room, Hexi Platform, and so on. When the well-known master of Neo-Confucianism Zhang took charge of the academy in the Southern Song Dynasty, Zhuxi had lectured here twice, which gave the academy the reputation of “Xiaoxiang Zhusi”.
    Yuelu Academy has stood here majestically for thousands of years. Lots of wise men gathered in this famous academy and put forward their advanced ideas. Yuelu Academy has suttered the vicissitudes of history but never declined.