A full millennium ago, the Yuelu Academy opened its halls to train scholars for civil examinations. Located in the city of Changsha, the ancient school has evolved to a top tourist site. Its current renovation was designed not to modernize, but to restore's the academy look of yore.
 
All cement will be removed from the courtyard, to be replaced with real Ming and Qing Dynasty bricks.

Twenty patches of courtyard are being restored, along with a dozen structures, including classrooms, pavilions and temples. The area covers 7,000 square meters, requiring more than 100,000 antique bricks.

The Renovation Manager of Yuelu Academy said: "The cement blocks imitated the ancient bricks, but they're not real. This time, we're determined to give the complex an authentic look. All the bricks were made in the Ming or Qing dynasties. We purchased them from private collections around southern China."

Visitors flow in and out at a rate of 2,000 per day meaning the courtyard work will be carried out in phases. For example, the interiors will be renovated at night, allowing tourists to enjoy a full tour of the academy during daylight hours.

Editor: Donald