宁远楼

Emerging from the bustling streets of Beijing, Ningyuan Hall at Peking University beckons. A quiet strength radiates from this building. It stands as a testament to resilience, its name echoing a powerful message: “Without tranquility, one cannot achieve far-reaching goals.” This motto, borrowed from Zhuge Liang’s “Admonitions to Sons,” is more than just a name. It’s a philosophy woven into the very fabric of this historic structure. Ningyuan Hall wasn’t always part of Peking University. Its story begins in Tianjin, a city not far from Beijing, in the waning years of the Qing Dynasty. Originally part of a sprawling garden estate known as Ningyuan, the hall witnessed a tumultuous period in Chinese history. Ningyuan, the garden, began as a government-run plantation. In 1906, Yuan Shikai, then governor of Zhili, commissioned its creation. Interestingly, the initial plans included building a palace for Empress Dowager Cixi within the park. This explains the grandeur and ingenious design of the buildings, including Ningyuan Hall. Imagine the meticulous planning, the careful arrangement of landscapes. The lake, dredged and sculpted, its waters connected to the Jinzhong River. The strategically placed gates, controlling the flow of water throughout the gardens. Three exquisite pavilions, known as Jianshui Pavilion, graced the landscape. The turbulent years of the Republic of China saw the gardens fall into disrepair amidst warring factions. In 1930, the Beining Railway Bureau purchased the land, transforming it into a public park. They christened it “Ningyuan,” embracing the principle of tranquility as a path to achievement. New buildings arose, blending seamlessly with the existing structures. The Hongguang Building, Daya Hall, Zhiqian Auditorium, the library, and Simian Hall. Pavilions, bridges, and long corridors wove through the gardens, culminating in a 2,000-meter corridor, rivaling even the famed Yuanmingyuan Long Corridor. Ningyuan Hall, with its distinctive red beams, green columns, and vibrantly painted eaves, became a focal point of this revitalized landscape. The gardens thrived, a popular destination known both as Ningyuan and Beining Park. However, war’s shadow fell upon Ningyuan once again with the Japanese invasion in 1937. Parts of the park were commandeered for military use, while the central lake buildings were converted into a sanatorium. Only a single corridor remained open to the public. Though access was restored after the war, the gardens bore the scars of conflict. The subsequent renovations, however, breathed new life into Ningyuan. While preserving the historic structures, new additions like the Shuyuntai, Changguan Tower, and Diecui Palace expanded the park’s allure. Now, situated within Peking University, Ningyuan Hall embodies the spirit of its namesake. A place of learning and reflection, it encourages the pursuit of knowledge and understanding.