Beijing Guozijian-Imperial College, originally built in the 10th year of Dade (1306 AD) of the Yuan Dynasty, was the highest national educational administration for three dynasties of Yuan, Ming and Qing and the most important institute of Higher learning of the country at that time.
Along the central axis in turn are the Jixian (gathering of virtuous people) Gate (the major entrance), Taixue Gate, the colored glaze memorial archway, Piyong (the central architecture of the Guozijian, each year the emperor was supposed to give a lecture here at least once), Yilun Hall and Jingyi Pavilion. On the two sides are four chambers and six halls, which follows the traditional Chinese symmetrical layout. So far, Guozijian is the only existent Chinese ancient University run by the central government.
