Hsinchu Confucius Temple Introduction
The original site of the Confucius Temple is in Chenggong Village, built in the 22nd year of the Jiaqing era of the Qing Dynasty. It features the Dacheng Hall, Lingxing Gate, and east and west wings. The temple enshrines the deity of Confucius in the center, with the Sub-Sage and 72 worthies enshrined on either side. Every year, during the Teacher's Day Confucian ceremony, local gentry and agency heads come to witness the event, which is a significant cultural landmark in Hsinchu. It was the first building in Zhucheng completed through public donations, taking eight years to construct and costing around twenty thousand taels. It also served as the academy of Tamsui District, so starting from the 23rd year of Jiaqing, the Confucius Temple began admission examinations, allowing students from Zhucheng not to travel far to Changhua, greatly facilitating education in the area. During the Japanese occupation period, it was the founding site for many schools in Hsinchu, such as Hsinchu Girls' School, Jianhua Junior High School, Hsinchu High School, Hsinchu Girls' High School, and Hsinchu Vocational High School. In the 45th year of the Republic of China, the Hsinchu County Council approved the relocation of the Confucius Temple, and it was completed on September 28, 47th year in the left side of Zhongshan Park, now located within Hsinchu City Park No. 2, near the gymnasium. In front of the temple is a semi-circular pond, and the commemorative monument for the relocation is situated in front of the left side of the temple. Currently, visitors can only enter the Hsinchu Confucius Temple during the Confucian ceremony, and at other times can only observe from the outside, which is somewhat regrettable.
