By Michael Onjewu
CHANGSHA, China — A visit to Yuelu Academy in Changsha, Hunan Province, offered a glimpse into China’s rich educational heritage and the history of one of its most prominent political figures, Mao Zedong.
The historic institution, now part of Hunan University, was established in 976 during the Northern Song Dynasty, making it one of China’s oldest centres of learning.
During the Silk Road Tour, the academy’s traditional architecture, long academic history and connection to Mao attracted attention, particularly its imposing statue of the former Chinese leader.
The monumental statue, made of stone and concrete and completed between 1966 and 1967, depicts Mao wearing a trench coat with his hands clasped behind his back as he gazes towards the rising sun.
Beyond its imposing appearance, the statue adds another layer to the historical significance of the academy, which is closely associated with Mao’s early intellectual development.
Mao spent time in Changsha during his youth and was associated with Yuelu Academy, a renowned institution that has played an important role in China’s educational and intellectual history.
Today, Yuelu Academy remains a symbol of China’s longstanding commitment to scholarship, philosophy and the preservation of cultural heritage.
For visitors exploring Changsha, the academy offers an opportunity to connect with China’s past while learning about the historical figures and intellectual traditions that have shaped the country.
The visit also highlights the value of cultural exchange, as Nigerian visitors gain firsthand insights into China’s history, education and heritage through the Silk Road Tour.
SOURCE: Silk Road Tour visit account.
