Changli Shrine Introduction
Changli Shrine is a temple built by the Hakka people in the Neipu area, with its origins tracing back to a historical event during the Tang Dynasty. Han Yu, known as Han Changli, was a master of poetry and prose, and an advocate for the revival of classical literature. He was a highly respected Confucian scholar during the Tang Dynasty and is regarded as the foremost among the Eight Great Prose Masters of the Tang and Song Dynasties. However, after submitting a memorial to advise against Emperor Xianzong's welcoming of Buddhist relics, he was demoted from Deputy Minister of Justice to the Prefect of Chaozhou. Upon his appointment, Han Yu showed concern for the people's suffering and actively promoted education, which deeply touched the Hakka people who benefitted from education at the time. Later, after this group of Hakka people moved to Neipu, they built Changli Shrine to express their gratitude, making it the only shrine in Taiwan dedicated to Han Yu. According to the inscription of "Reconstruction of Neipu Changli Shrine" within the temple, Changli Shrine was initiated for construction in 1803 by the then Chao Wu Commandant Zhong Linjiang. The original appearance of Changli Shrine was simple and elegant, embodying the style of literati and gentlemen. It has undergone several renovations over the years, and during a restoration project in the 68th year of the Republic of China, part of the structure was converted to reinforced concrete, causing the temple's exterior to lose its classical flavor. Nevertheless, Changli Shrine still preserves many historical artifacts that are worth savoring. At the side of the temple entrance, there is a stone tablet issued during the Jiaqing period of the Qing Dynasty, inscribed with the "Prohibition of Immigration to Gulingpu." Gulingpu originally referred to the wasteland between the Donggang River and Ailiao River in Neipu. Due to the oppression faced by local residents when outsiders attempted to cultivate the land, the government issued this decree prohibiting immigrants from cultivation, allowing only the Plains Indigenous people to farm freely, in order to prevent future troubles. The temple's interior is simply arranged, with Han Yu as the main deity in the center, flanked by Hanxiang and Zhao De on either side. On the mottled yellow walls, the four characters "Loyalty, Filial Piety, Integrity, and Righteousness" are prominently displayed, alongside numerous copies of examination admission notices. In the past, Changli Shrine served as an educational center in the Neipu area, frequently inviting renowned teachers to give lectures, which contributed to the flourishing of scholarly pursuits in the Liudui area. Thus, Changli Shrine became a site for students to pray for academic success. Additionally, the Pingtung County government often holds a series of cultural events to commemorate Han Yu at Changli Shrine, ensuring the ongoing transmission of Hakka culture.
