Donglin Academic School

The renowned Donglin Academic School, one of China's cherished longstanding educational institutions, is situated at No. 867 along East Liberation Rd. in Wuxi. The school was placed under provincial protection in 1956, and was recognized again in 2006 under national protection as a historic institution. Established during the Song Dynasty, the Donglin Academic School educated students in the areas of neo-Confucianism. Authoritative scholars of the field including Cheng Hao and Cheng Yu led teachings at the school.

Gu Xiancheng, a former official who became an administrator at the school in 1604 during the Ming Dynasty installed a number of noted scholars including Gao Panlong and An Xifan. Taking up residence with one another, the scholars studied and discussed Confucius ideas and current affairs. Monthly meetings were carried out to discuss issues concerning government and politics, and annually a grand formal meeting was held to discuss these issues on a large scale. These meetings had a significant societal impact, often aggravating certain groups. In 1625 the school was destroyed by eunuchs. Scholars were penalized and even killed for inciting an attitude of opposition towards political and societal practices, as well as openly criticizing the injustices and corruption of the government.
The Donglin Academic School was restored to its former stature in 1945 when Tang Wenxhi, a well-known academic master from Wuxi appealed for the school's renewal. The cultural and historical significance of this honored center for academia is preserved in its steles, pools, classrooms, and study halls. The institution continues to thrive as an educational center for traditional and modern teachings.