Nanxi Academy in Youxi: The Birthplace of Zhu Xi and the Reshaping of Minzhong Academic Tradition
Nanxi Academy in Youxi: The Birthplace of Zhu Xi and the Reshaping of Geographic Links Youxi County, Southern Bank of Nanxi, Zheng’s Cottage, Yuxiu Pavilion, Mount Gongshan, Wengong Temple, Half-Acre Square Pond, Kaishan Rock. Sacred Birth: The Spiritual Radiance of Nanxi in 1130 AD In the historical narrative of Youxi County, Fujian, the 4th year of the Jianyan era in the Northern Song Dynasty (1130 AD) stands as a sanctified milestone. According to the meticulous records in the Jiajing Youxi County Chronicle, Zhu Xi, the grandmaster of Neo-Confucianism, was born at high noon on the 15th day of the 9th lunar month in the Gengxu year. This location was no accident; his father, Zhu Song (pseudonym Weizhai), had been appointed as the Youxi County Magistrate’s assistant in 1123 AD. Living in poverty, Zhu Song was invited by the local philanthropist Zheng Yizhai to reside at “Zheng’s Cottage” by the Nanxi River. ...