This attraction introduction is compiled from historical materials in the "Zhangjiajie Tour Guide Network" (33519.com · Scenic Spots section). Ticket prices, opening hours, transportation, and contact information mentioned in the text may be outdated. Please refer to the latest official announcements from the scenic area before traveling; some content consists of historical background/cultural introductions and is for reference only.
The former site of Hunan Self-Study University is at No. 263 Zhongshan East Road, originally part of the Zeng Guofan Ancestral Hall. In the early Guangxu reign, Guo Songtao founded the Sixian Lecture Hall here. In 1912, Liu Renxi renamed it the Chuanshan Society. In August 1921, after the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China, Mao Zedong and He Shuheng, with the consent of President Qiu Yishan and Secretary-General Wang Jifan, founded Hunan Self-Study University here, with Li Da as the first president.
Hunan Self-Study University, adhering to the purpose of "transforming the existing society," studied various academic subjects through self-study and joint discussion to cultivate talent, and emphasized the combination of mental and physical labor, seeking comprehensive development in morality, intelligence, and physique.
The old premises of the society were destroyed in the "Wenxi Fire." In 1954, part of the buildings were restored as a brick-and-wood three-courtyard compound with red-lacquered doors and windows and square brick floors, full of antique charm. The four characters "Chuanshan Society" on the lintel were inscribed by Mao Zedong in 1950. The hall displays the declaration of the Self-Study University, admission guidelines, teaching materials, student assignments, and photos and biographies of He Shuheng, Xia Minghan, Mao Zemin, and others. The former site is a provincial cultural relic protection unit.
