Jianghan Academy was founded in Ming Dynasty and was destroyed in 1853 when Taiping Rebellion Army occupied Wuchang. It was rebuilt in 1862 and Zhang Zhidong took it over when he came to Hubei.

Zhang also adjusted the courses of Jianghan Academy, aiming at “training qualified personnel for the present time.” He opened new course as astronomy, geography, mathematics and military science which were taught by teachers from Jingxin Academy.

Jianghan Academy was merged with Jingxin Academy as Qincheng School.