Changli Shrine Introduction
Changli Temple is a Hakka temple built by the Hakka people in the Neipu area, and its origins can be traced back to a historical event in the Tang Dynasty. Han Yu, known as Han Changli, was well-versed in poetry and literature, advocated for the revival of classical prose, and was revered as a Confucian master during the Tang Dynasty, often regarded as the foremost among the Eight Masters of Tang and Song. However, due to his objection to Emperor Xianzong's welcoming of Buddhist relics, he was demoted from the position of Deputy Minister of Justice to the Prefect of Chaozhou. Upon his appointment, Han Yu showed great concern for the people's suffering and actively promoted education, which left a lasting impression on the Hakka people who were able to receive an education at that time. Later, after this group of Hakka people migrated to Neipu, they built Changli Temple to express their gratitude, making it the only temple in Taiwan dedicated to Han Yu. According to the record inscribed in the temple titled "Chronicle of the Reconstruction of Neipu Changli Temple," the temple was initiated in 1803 by the then Captain of the Zhao Wu District, Zhong Linjiang. The original appearance of Changli Temple was simple and elegant, reflecting the style of learned scholars. Over the years, it has undergone multiple renovations, and during the reconstruction project in the 68th year of the Republic, parts of the structure were changed to reinforced concrete, which altered the classical appearance of the temple. Despite this, Changli Temple still retains many historical artifacts that are worth savoring. At the side of the temple's entrance, there is a stone tablet issued during the Jiaqing era of the Qing Dynasty, inscribed with "Prohibition of Immigration to Gulingpu." Gulingpu originally referred to the wasteland between the Donggang River and Ailiao River in Neipu, which had suffered from harm caused by local residents when outside immigrants attempted to cultivate the land. As a result, the government issued this order to prohibit immigration for cultivation and only allowed the Pingpu indigenous people to farm freely in order to prevent future conflicts. The layout of the temple is simple, with Han Yu enshrined in the center and Han Xiang and Zhao De worshiped on either side. On the mottled yellow walls, the four large characters "Loyalty, Filial Piety, Integrity, Righteousness" can be seen, along with an abundance of mock examination papers hanging on display. In earlier years, Changli Temple served as a cultural and educational center in the Neipu area, frequently inviting renowned teachers to give lectures, thereby promoting the flourishing of cultural activities in the Six Piles region. Changli Temple has become a place for students to pray for academic success, and Pingtung County Government regularly holds the Han Yu Cultural Festival series at Changli Temple to help preserve Hakka culture.
