Guozijian
Beijing's Guozijian Imperial College in Guozijian Street, originally built in CE 1306 in the 10th year of the Dade (CE 1297-1307) reign of Emperor Chengzong of the Yuan (CE 1279-1368) Dynasty, was China's highest-ranking and most prestigious national educational institution for over 600 years, spanning a period of three dynasties: the Yuan, Ming (CE 1368-1644) and Qing (CE 1644-1911) Dynasties.
The college's main entrance, Jixian ("Gathering of Virtuous People") Gate, its glazed-roof memorial archway, Taixue Gate, its main building, Piyong (where the emperor traditionally gave a lecture each year), its Yilun Hall, and Jingyi Pavilion all form a central axis. On either side of this main axis are distributed four chambers and six halls, following the traditional Chinese symmetrical layout. Guozijian Street is lined on both sides by large Japanese pagoda trees (Sophora japonica). The street is further specialized in that it has a painted archway at either end and a painted archway on either side of the main gate, making it the only street in Beijing, if not in all of China, adorned in this unique manner.
Beijing's Guozijian Imperial College is the last remaining university dating from China's ancient past that is still under the direct administration of the central government.
Location:
The Imperial College is located at No. 15 Guozijian Street (formerly known as Chenxian Road) in the Dongcheng District, adjacent to the Confucius Temple and the Lama Temple. The college is most easily accessed via Andingmen Nei Da Jie Street, which runs parallel to Guozijian Street, and is serviced by Subway Line 2.
How to Get There?
Take Subway Line 2 (aka Belt Line or Loop Line) and get off at the Lama Temple, then walk about 200 meters southward. You will recognize the college complex as you approach it. Alternatively, you can take bus nos. 13, 116, or 807, all of which will deposit you in the immediate vicinity of the college.
Ticket Price: RMB 10 per person.
Opening Hours: From 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.
More Tips: There are barriers to free access on the gate of Guozijian and Confucius Temple. Visitors can see the facade of the halls.