Location & How to Get There

Kaoting Academy of Classical Learning sits in a peaceful village called Kaoting, just outside the city of Nanping in Fujian Province. The address is No. 71, Kaoting Road, Taocheng Street, Jianyang District—easy to find if you’re using a map app! It’s about a 40-minute drive from Nanping city center, and there’s a bus route (Bus 21) that drops you right at the entrance. If you’re driving, park for free near the academy’s gate.

Natural Beauty Around the Academy

The academy is surrounded by lush green hills and a calm river, making it feel like a hidden gem. In spring, wildflowers bloom everywhere, and tall bamboo groves sway gently in the wind. A stone path leads to a small bridge over the river, where you can hear birds singing and see fish swimming. It’s perfect for a quiet walk or taking photos with the ancient buildings as a backdrop.

History & Culture at Kaoting Academy

This place isn’t just old—it’s full of stories! Kaoting Academy was built during the Song Dynasty (around 800 years ago) and was once a top school for studying philosophy, poetry, and art. A famous teacher named Zhu Xi (think of him as a wise leader) taught here, and his ideas still shape Chinese culture today. You’ll see traditional wooden buildings with carved roofs, stone tablets with ancient texts, and classrooms where students once chanted classics. Guides wear costumes and explain how people lived back then, which feels like stepping into a time machine!

What to See Inside

Every corner of the academy has something interesting. The main hall has giant pillars and colorful paintings of dragons and lotus flowers. There’s a garden with bonsai trees and a pond filled with koi fish. My favorite spot was the “Classroom of Wisdom,” where old desks and ink stones are set up so you can try writing Chinese characters with a brush. Don’t miss the library room, which holds handwritten books from centuries ago (though they’re behind glass now).

Practical Tips for Visiting

The academy is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, and tickets cost around 30 yuan (less than $5). English-speaking guides are available if you book ahead. Bring cash, as there’s no ATM nearby. For snacks, a small teahouse next to the entrance sells local cakes and tea—try the jasmine tea, it’s amazing! Wear comfortable shoes, because the grounds are big, and some areas are uneven.

A Day to Remember

Visiting Kaoting Academy feels like traveling back in time. You can sit under a 300-year-old banyan tree, listen to a story about emperors and poets, or watch a calligraphy demonstration. Families with kids will love the interactive activities, like grinding ink or trying on Hanfu outfits. Even if you’re not into history, the peaceful nature and pretty architecture make it worth a trip. Just be ready to take a lot of photos—every angle looks like a painting!