Zhu Xi (1130-1200) was the leading figure of the School of Principle in the Southern Song Dynasty. A famous educator and poet, he also established a complete theory system of the School of Principle. He was hailed as the most influential Confucian scholar since Confucius and Mencius.

Zhu Xi built his teachings around “Principle”, taking Confucian ethics as its core and also incorporating thoughts of Buddhism, Taoism and other schools. His teachings have contributed to the development of the Chinese civilization and had far-reaching influence on the thoughts and behaviors of the Chinese people. In this sense, they are valuable traditional cultural heritage.

Xingxian Academy of Classical Learning in Wuyishan. The red brick carving on this gate bears four Chinese characters, meaning the Zhu Xi teachings had its origin in those of Confucius and Mencius

Wuyi Academy of Classical Learning was where Zhu Xi lectured

Kaoting Academy of Classical Learning was once the lecture venue for Zhu Xi in Jianyang