Imperial academy was the highest institution of learning in ancient China, and the main place for training talents in feudal dynasties. Imperial academy was first established in the period of Emperor Wu of the Western Han Dynasty.

Imperial academy, also known as Guo Zi School or Guo Zi Temple, was the central official school after the Sui Dynasty in ancient China and the highest institution of learning in the ancient education system in China. In the Ming Dynasty, imperial academy was established in Nanjing (now Nanjing, Jiangsu Province) and Beijing respectively. Imperial academy in Nanjing is called Nanjian or Nanyong, while imperial academy in Beijing is called Beijian or Beiyong.

Nanjing imperial academy was built in the first year of Yong 'an, Wudong (AD 258), with a grand scale, stretching for ten miles, brilliant lights and unprecedented pomp. At that time, North Korea, Japan, Ryukyu, Siam and other neighboring countries were "eager for culture and education" and sent overseas students to study in imperial academy.

Imperial academy was founded in Dade Decade of Yuan Dynasty (A.D. 1306). It was the highest administrative organ of national management education in Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties and the highest institution of higher learning established by the state.