Shigu Academy, founded in the Song dynasty, stands at the confluence of the Xiang and Zheng rivers on a promontory that gives it fine views over the water in two directions. The name means "Stone Drum," after the distinctive boulder that marks the site. The academy was one of the great scholarly institutions of central China before it was severely damaged during the wars of the 20th century; the present buildings are a careful reconstruction.
The restored complex is a quiet and orderly place of tiled roofs, stone courtyards, and carved wooden screens. Admission is around ¥20. The riverside setting is pleasant, and the combination of Song dynasty architectural detail and views over the Xiang River makes for a good hour's wandering. It functions as a museum of the Confucian scholarly tradition in Hunan.