Wang Kaiyun and His Educational Reforms in Zunjing AcademyAn Investigation Based on the Xiangqilou Diary

Wang Kaiyun was a prominent scholar and educator of the late Qing Dynasty. Between 1878 and 1886, he presided over the Zunjing Academy in Sichuan, making him one of the most notable figures in Sichuan's educational history. His educational reforms at Zunjing Academy were a significant aspect of his educational career. The Xiangqilou Diary serves as an essential historical source for studying Wang Kaiyun's thoughts, educational activities, as well as the political, personal, and social changes of the late Qing and early Republican periods. Based on an examination of the Xiangqilou Diary, this article analyzes Wang Kaiyun's educational reforms at the Zunjing Academy. His appointment as the head of Zunjing Academy was strongly advocated by Ding Baozhen, the then governor of Sichuan. After taking up the position, Wang implemented a series of administrative measures, including emphasizing daily etiquette, eliminating longstanding malpractices, and restoring the academy's book collection function. He championed the implementation of practical education, rooted in the traditional philosophy of statecraft with content encompassing classics, history, and literary writings. Furthermore, Wang Kaiyun paid significant attention to the academy's examination system and personally participated in grading the exam papers. During his tenure at Zunjing Academy, Wang Kaiyun established close teacher-student relationships in both academic and personal spheres, cultivating a group of outstanding talents in Sichuan, and fostering a shift in the academic and gentlemanly ethos of the region. His educational paradigm became a model for institutions throughout Sichuan and exerted a profound impact on Sichuan's education during the late Qing period.