Kaoting Academy: A Seat of Neo-Confucian Learning

In the serene embrace of Kaoting Village, Jianyang District, Nanping City, Fujian Province, stands Kaoting Academy, a venerable institution that served as the principal lecture hall for the eminent Southern Song Dynasty Neo-Confucian scholar, Zhu Xi, during the concluding chapter of his illustrious life. The academy's location is one of profound natural beauty, a tranquil haven where rolling green mountains provide a majestic panorama and the gentle flow of water tenderly enfolds the grounds on three sides. This idyllic setting offered Zhu Xi and his disciples an unparalleled atmosphere conducive to deep contemplation and rigorous intellectual engagement.

For a significant period of eight years, Zhu Xi dedicated himself to disseminating his profound philosophical insights within the walls of Kaoting Academy. His teachings and the intellectual ferment that flourished here elevated Jianyang, the region that embraced Kaoting Academy, to the esteemed status of the "home of Neo-Confucianism," a testament to the enduring legacy of Zhu Xi's scholarship and influence.

On a particularly radiant morning, the opportunity arose to document the enduring spirit of this historically significant site. Through the discerning eye of a Lumix GM1 camera, coupled with the crisp clarity of a Lumix 20mm F1.7 prime lens, a series of images were captured. These photographs endeavor to convey the essence of Kaoting Academy, offering a visual passage into a place where history and profound intellectual inquiry converged. The resulting collection serves as a window into this remarkable locale, inviting reflection on its pivotal role in the development of Neo-Confucian thought.

Gears & Settings	Figures
Camera	Lumix GM1
Lens	Lumix 20mm F1.7 II
Style	Expressive
Date	Apr 2025
Location	Nanping, Fujian, China

YouTube

Photos

#: 1 | Timestamp: 2025/04/30 10:34:27SS: 1/400s | ISO: 200 | F: 10.0 | +/-: 0.0 | FL35: 40mm

#: 2 | Timestamp: 2025/04/30 10:35:46SS: 1/400s | ISO: 200 | F: 8.0 | +/-: 0.7 | FL35: 40mm

#: 3 | Timestamp: 2025/04/30 10:35:59SS: 1/500s | ISO: 200 | F: 6.3 | +/-: 0.7 | FL35: 40mm

#: 4 | Timestamp: 2025/04/30 10:37:29SS: 1/500s | ISO: 200 | F: 6.3 | +/-: 0.0 | FL35: 40mm

#: 5 | Timestamp: 2025/04/30 10:38:51SS: 1/400s | ISO: 200 | F: 7.1 | +/-: 0.7 | FL35: 40mm

#: 6 | Timestamp: 2025/04/30 10:40:09SS: 1/500s | ISO: 200 | F: 9.0 | +/-: 0.7 | FL35: 40mm

#: 7 | Timestamp: 2025/04/30 10:41:49SS: 1/400s | ISO: 200 | F: 10.0 | +/-: -0.3 | FL35: 40mm

#: 8 | Timestamp: 2025/04/30 10:44:31SS: 1/160s | ISO: 200 | F: 2.2 | +/-: -0.3 | FL35: 40mm

#: 9 | Timestamp: 2025/04/30 10:51:04SS: 1/400s | ISO: 200 | F: 3.2 | +/-: -1.3 | FL35: 40mm

#: 10 | Timestamp: 2025/04/30 10:53:00SS: 1/125s | ISO: 200 | F: 2.0 | +/-: -1.0 | FL35: 40mm

#: 11 | Timestamp: 2025/04/30 10:53:51SS: 1/200s | ISO: 200 | F: 2.2 | +/-: -0.3 | FL35: 40mm

#: 12 | Timestamp: 2025/04/30 10:55:21SS: 1/250s | ISO: 200 | F: 2.5 | +/-: -0.3 | FL35: 40mm

#: 13 | Timestamp: 2025/04/30 11:00:05SS: 1/400s | ISO: 200 | F: 7.1 | +/-: -0.3 | FL35: 40mm

#: 14 | Timestamp: 2025/04/30 11:01:20SS: 1/5000s | ISO: 200 | F: 1.7 | +/-: -0.3 | FL35: 40mm

#: 15 | Timestamp: 2025/04/30 11:02:40SS: 1/4000s | ISO: 200 | F: 4.0 | +/-: 0.0 | FL35: 40mm

#: 16 | Timestamp: 2025/04/30 11:05:31SS: 1/5000s | ISO: 200 | F: 2.8 | +/-: 0.0 | FL35: 40mm

#: 17 | Timestamp: 2025/04/30 11:10:30SS: 1/125s | ISO: 200 | F: 2.0 | +/-: 0.7 | FL35: 40mm

#: 18 | Timestamp: 2025/04/30 11:14:14SS: 1/125s | ISO: 200 | F: 1.8 | +/-: 0.3 | FL35: 40mm

#: 19 | Timestamp: 2025/04/30 11:17:11SS: 1/160s | ISO: 200 | F: 2.0 | +/-: -0.3 | FL35: 40mm

#: 20 | Timestamp: 2025/04/30 11:17:23SS: 1/160s | ISO: 200 | F: 2.2 | +/-: -0.3 | FL35: 40mm

#: 21 | Timestamp: 2025/04/30 11:18:40SS: 1/125s | ISO: 200 | F: 2.0 | +/-: -0.3 | FL35: 40mm

#: 22 | Timestamp: 2025/04/30 11:25:56SS: 1/8000s | ISO: 200 | F: 1.8 | +/-: 0.0 | FL35: 40mm

#: 23 | Timestamp: 2025/04/30 11:26:12SS: 1/8000s | ISO: 200 | F: 1.8 | +/-: 0.0 | FL35: 40mm

#: 24 | Timestamp: 2025/04/30 11:26:43SS: 1/4000s | ISO: 200 | F: 1.8 | +/-: 0.0 | FL35: 40mm

#: 25 | Timestamp: 2025/04/30 11:27:23SS: 1/400s | ISO: 200 | F: 9.0 | +/-: 0.0 | FL35: 40mm

RoadTripPhotography

OnTheRoad

Links

Hire me on Upwork YouTube Github Twitter / X  Instagram  Automate the Boring