Chang Li Shrine Introduction
Changli Shrine is a temple built by the Hakka people in the Neipu area, and its origins trace back to a historical event during the Tang Dynasty. Han Yu, known as Han Changli, was well-versed in poetry and literature, advocated for the revival of ancient prose, and was a highly esteemed Confucian scholar of the Tang Dynasty, regarded as the foremost figure among the Eight Great Prose Masters of the Tang and Song Dynasties. However, after submitting a memorial against Emperor Xianzong's welcoming of Buddhist relics, he was demoted from his position as Deputy Minister of Justice to the Governor of Chaozhou. Upon assuming his new post, Han Yu cared about the people's suffering and actively promoted education, deeply touching the Hakka people who were able to receive an education at that time. Later, when these Hakka people moved to Neipu, they built Changli Shrine to express their gratitude, and it is the only temple in Taiwan dedicated to Han Yu. According to the "Reconstruction Records of Neipu Changli Shrine" inside the temple, Changli Shrine was initiated by the local military officer Zhong Linjiang in 1803. The original temple exuded an ancient and elegant appearance, reflecting the style of literati. It has undergone several renovations, and in the reconstruction project during the 68th year of the Republic of China, some structural elements were changed to reinforced concrete, causing the temple’s appearance to lose its classical charm. Nevertheless, Changli Shrine still retains many historical artifacts worth savoring. At the side entrance of the temple, there is a stone tablet inscribed with the "Prohibition of Immigration Order" from the Jiaqing period of the Qing Dynasty. The ancient Lingpu referred to the wasteland between Donggang Creek and Ailiao Creek in Neipu in earlier times. Due to conflicts arising when outsiders attempted to cultivate this wasteland, causing harm to the local populace, the government issued this order prohibiting immigrants from farming the area, allowing only the plain aboriginal people to freely cultivate to prevent future troubles. The temple's interior is simply arranged, with Han Yu enshrined in the center, flanked by Han Xiang and Zhao De on either side. The words "Loyalty, Filial Piety, Integrity, Righteousness" can be seen emblazoned on the yellowed walls, along with numerous copies of examination admission tickets. In earlier years, Changli Shrine served as the cultural and educational center of the Neipu area, frequently inviting renowned teachers to give lectures, which contributed to the flourishing of literary culture in the area. As a result, Changli Shrine became a place for students to pray for academic success, and the Pingtung County Government often holds a series of Han Yu cultural festival activities at Changli Shrine to continue the legacy of Hakka culture.
