Deep Dive
Why did the Wuying Hall decline during the Qing dynasty?
The Wuying Hall, which relied on government funds, began to decline in the late Qianlong and early Jiaqing periods, and its decline accelerated after the Daoguang era. By the latter half of the Qing dynasty, it was no longer sustainable, and only 30 books were printed, a negligible number compared to its earlier output.
What happened to the Wuying Hall in 1869?
In June 1869, during a particularly rainy summer in Beijing, the Wuying Hall was destroyed by a fire. The fire burned down over 200 years of woodblock printing plates and printed books, marking the end of the Wuying Hall's role in history.
What was the only surviving set of woodblock printing plates from the Wuying Hall?
The only surviving set of woodblock printing plates from the Wuying Hall was the Qing Dynasty's Great Buddhist Canon, which was stored at the Bailin Temple next to the Yonghe Temple. This set of 84,000 plates survived the fire that destroyed the rest of the Wuying Hall's collection.
What is the historical significance of the White Deer Grotto Academy?
The White Deer Grotto Academy, originally known as the White Deer National School, is historically significant as it marked the beginning of the academy-based model of teaching, writing, and mentoring. It was founded by Li Shandao, who taught the Confucian classics there, and later gained fame under the leadership of the renowned Song dynasty scholar Zhu Xi.
When was the first academy in China established and what was its original purpose?
The first academy in China, the Lizheng Hall Academy, was established in 718 AD during the Tang dynasty under the decree of Emperor Xuanzong. Initially, it served as a royal library and archive within the palace, functioning as a place for the emperor to store and read books.
- 清朝后期，由于国力衰弱，依靠府库开支的五英殿刻书活动难以为继。
- 五英殿大火烧毁了明清以来积累的珍贵雕板和图书。
- 唯一幸存的官刻图书雕板是雍和宫东侧百林寺的清乾隆大藏经雕板。