On October 17, during an interview with the Overseas Chinese Media Delegation in Lushan, Jiangxi, Yang Fang, Deputy Editor of Laos Information Network, reflected on the profound educational and cultural traditions embodied by the Bailudong Academy, emphasizing its importance for both preservation and innovation.
The previous day, the delegation, consisting of over 20 senior journalists and editors from 18 countries across five continents, explored key sites in Lushan, including the renowned Bailudong Academy and Donglin Pure Land. They immersed themselves in the rich cultural heritage that spans a millennium.
The Bailudong Academy, situated on the southeastern slope of Wulao Peak, is considered one of China’s oldest and most prestigious higher learning institutions, often referred to as the “first academy under heaven.” Together with other historical academies such as Yingtian and Songyang Academies, as well as the Yuelu Academy, it forms the so-called “Four Great Academies” of ancient China.
As visitors enter the Bailudong Academy, they are greeted by its elegant rooftops that seem to soar skyward and meticulously designed courtyards that blend reality with illusion. Five main courtyards are lined up alongside a stream, which features a large stone inscribed with the words “Pillow Flow,” penned by the eminent Neo-Confucian scholar Zhu Xi during the Southern Song Dynasty.
Zuo Jingjing, a guide at the academy, shared that the name “Bailudong” originated from the story of Tang Dynasty official Li Bo, who studied in seclusion and had a white deer accompany him. The area’s mountainous surroundings gave it the appearance of a cave, solidifying its name. Established in the Tang Dynasty, Bailudong Academy flourished during the Northern Song and has a legacy of over a thousand years.
According to Zuo, the main functions of ancient academies were to conduct rituals, lectures, and preserve books. “Over the millennia, Bailudong Academy has maintained these traditions by regularly hosting sacrificial ceremonies and foundational educational activities,” she noted.
Through this visit, Yang Fang gained an even deeper appreciation for the academy’s rich historical depth and cultural significance. “From Laos, I will focus on promoting Bailudong Academy to Southeast Asian countries, spreading the exceptional traditional Chinese culture abroad,” she stated.
Located at the foot of Lushan Mountain, Donglin Pure Land, also known as the Donglin Buddha, is the birthplace of the Pure Land sect of Buddhism. Core attractions include a 48-meter bronze statue of Amitabha Buddha and several landmark attractions, including the Pure Land Cultural Zone and the New Donglin Temple.
Ryu Rihua, Deputy Editor of Japan’s Graduate Student News, noted, “I understand many Japanese devotees regularly visit Donglin Temple in Jiangxi. The temple plays a vital role in Sino-Japanese Buddhist cultural exchanges. After this visit, I will be better equipped to share Chinese Buddhist culture with Japanese followers.”
Similarly, Lee Maowa, Editor-in-Chief of Korea’s Xinhua News, expressed her commitment to enhancing the dissemination of Chinese Buddhist culture and facilitating exchanges between Chinese and Korean religious cultures.
