Beijing - Imperial College Guozijian
Beyond the Confucius Temple is the former Imperial College, where the city library is housed today. It was founded in 1287 by Kublai Khan. The college maintained its educational pre-eminence until 1900 when it was closed. The college masters included various Qing emperors including Shunzhi, Kangxi, Yongzheng and Qianlong. The college's students were selected from amongst the best candidates to have passed the imperial examinations at district (Xiucai) and province (Juren) level. A three-year course of studies had to be followed by a practical year in a government office. After a final examination students could look forward to employment as a state official.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 8:30 | 8:30 | 8:30 | 8:30 | 8:30 | 8:30 |
| Close | 19:30 | 19:30 | 19:30 | 19:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 |
Related Attractions
Piyong Hall
In the Piyong Hall, the Imperial College's main building, the emperor held his lectures. The practically square shaped building (width: about 18m/59ft) dating from 1784, is surrounded by a small round lake which is edged with a finely cut marble balustrade. The roof is covered with yellow-glazed tiles and has a double ledge.
Yilun Tang Hall
The Yilun Tang Hall in the north of the Imperial College complex, also built under the Yang dynasty (1271-1368) was the college library.
