Guozijian, First Imperial College in China

Photos & story by: Debbie Stock

BEIJING, CHINA—As our bus drove down a narrow, tree-lined street, taking us to the gates of the Imperial College in Beijing, all traffic came to a stop. There wasn't enough room for our big bus and a car from the opposite direction to pass one another. For 10-15 minutes our driver sat while a tour guide waiting for us was summoned to negotiate the traffic situation.

The driver of a small car refused to back up while our bus driver was certain he was not going any direction but forward. As the traffic began to pile up, waiting to continue in both directions, much discussion, arguing and haggling took place between the stubborn car driver and the tour guide.

After time passed, the little car did back up to let our bus proceed. It was a funny situation ending in success. We disembarked the large bus and began our tour of Guozijian, recognized as China's national academy and central institute of learning during Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasty. First built in 1306, The Imperial College has been renovated in recent times and continues to serve the public with its library facilities and reading rooms of the Capital Library.  Its memorial archway is the only such structure built for education in China.

The college is immediately west of the Confucian Temple and connects with the temple through a side gate. Directly in front of the gate is the famous Biyong (Jade Disc) Hall, while stepping inside the gate you can see a glazed tile memorial archway with bell and drum towers to the east and west. 

A pavilion in the center of a circular pond can be crossed via four marble bridges decorated with stone spouts in the shape of dragonheads.  After touring the college, wander in the village to explore shops and restaurants.

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