What stories and experiences will the rendezvous of the centuries-old building complex with a traditional culture academy bring to visitors? Yuzhou Academy will give you the answer.

An academy from an ancient building complex

Located in Yuzhong District, downtown Chongqing, the Huguang Guild Hall has a history of more than 300 years. It is the largest ancient guild building complex in an inner city in China.

The overall perspective of Chongqing Huguang Guild Hall. (Photo provided to iChongqing)

The vast complex is an important witness of history and sees Chongqing's economic growth.

Recently, it welcomed a new member — the Yuzhou Academy, which is located at the back of Yuwang Palace. You can find the academy along the stone ladder on the right.

Yuwang Palace of Chongqing Huguang Guild Hall. (Photo provided to iChongqing)

It consists of the right and left courtyards, both of which are ancient architectural relics. The inscriptions on the main purlin can be traced back to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). The towering back door of the academy presents you with a distant view of Chongqing's landscape. The ethereal courtyards and graceful environment create an excellent place for reading.

The entrance gate of Yuzhou Academy. (Photo provided to iChongqing)

Lectures carry forward Bayu Culture

There are more than 3,000 books on the protection, inheritance, and development of Chongqing's historical and cultural heritage. You may find local chronicles, specialized chronicles, celebrity biography, and books about guild culture, relics, archaeology, history and geography, urban renewal, economy, laws, social folklore, literature and art, painting, calligraphy, as well as carving skills there.

A corner of Yuzhou Academy. (Photo provided to iChongqing)

In addition, the academy regularly hosts cultural activities such as academic exchanges, expert forums, and the launch of new books.

After appreciating the artistic beauty of the building complex, visitors may attend a possible lecture on traditional culture by famous teachers.

History and culture scholar He Zhiya was telling the story of Yuzhou Academy. (Photo provided to iChongqing)