Huangxi Academy

Taichung Attractions

百大婚紗

The former Xiyong Society, founded by local gentry Zhao Shunfang and Yang Zhanao during the Jiaqing period, is also known as the Wenchang Temple. In the 14th year of the Guangxu era (1888), the "Huangxi Academy" was established to recruit students from the present-day Dadu, Longjing, and Wuri districts, implementing primary education. The temple houses the deity Wenchang Dijun, who is believed to bestow success in examinations. As the school entrance exams, university entrance exams, and vocational exams approach, the interior is filled with copies of examinees' admission tickets. The layout of the academy is a typical quadrangle common in the Guangxu period, featuring two sections, dual dragon guards, seven openings, and four worship pavilions. The building materials include carved bricks, bluestone, Quanzhou white stone, and Taiwan cypress, all exquisitely crafted and comparable to the Changhua Daodong Academy. In terms of scale, Huangxi Academy, commonly referred to as Wenchang Temple, enshrines Wenchang Dijun and includes offerings halls and main halls. Ancient plaques in the academy read: "Elegant Songs of Filial Piety and Brotherhood," appointed by the imperial guard Liao Jinhua during the Guangxu Bingxu examination. The couplets on stone pillars state: "The Huang stone unfolds the pen formation against half a wall, while the stream reflects the verdant layers unfolding the manifest of literature." And other notable inscriptions detail the academy's heritage and significance.

Address：No. 10, Wenchang 1st St, Huangxi Village, Dadu District, Taichung City 432, Taiwan

Huangxi Academy Introduction

The predecessor of Huangsih Academy, also known as Wenchang Temple, was established by gentry Zhao Shunfang and Yang Zhan'ao during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty. The academy was built in the 14th year of the Guangxu era (1888) and enrolled students from the present-day districts of Dadu, Longjing, and Wuri to implement enlightenment education. The temple enshrines the Wenchang Emperor, who is responsible for guiding scholars and academic achievements. During exam periods such as the joint entrance examination and vocational examinations, the interior is filled with copies of candidates' admission tickets. The layout of the academy features a two-courtyard structure, double dragon guards, seven openings, and a traditional courtyard with four worship pavilions, typical of academy architecture from the Guangxu period. It is constructed using intricately carved bricks, bluestone, Quanzhou white stone, and Fujian fir, giving it a refined and exquisite appearance that rivals the Changhua Eastern Academy. The scale of Huangsih Academy, commonly known as Wenchang Temple, includes halls for worship and a main hall dedicated to the Wenchang Emperor. The academy features ancient plaques inscribed with phrases such as "Graceful Songs of Filial Piety," and other supportive inscriptions from the Guangxu era. Its stone column couplets illustrate the academy's connection to nature and education, while an ancient bell from Huangsih Academy, which was looted by Japanese forces during World War II, is now displayed in the campus of Dadu Elementary School. It bears an inscription that reads: "Huangsih Academy, Wenchang Emperor, the fifteenth year of Guangxu, on the first day of the autumn harvest month, respectfully established by the gentry." This academy is the oldest surviving building in the Dadu district and remains the only academy in Taichung City, currently designated as a city historical monument. The Huangsih Academy, formerly the cultural center of the Dadu area (including Dadu, Wuri, and Longjing), has a history of over 130 years since its construction in the Guangxu era. Its exquisite materials, design, and construction techniques are particularly renowned for the craftsmanship of its brickwork, making it a distinguished example of educational architecture from the late Qing Dynasty. Since its establishment, Huangsih Academy has been a symbol of spirit and cultural fortress in the Dadu region, where many ancestors of early residents received their education. It has produced many scholars during the imperial examination period, and its legacy of educational excellence continues to thrive today. Dadu district is still well-known for its rich academic tradition, earning it the nickname "Hometown of Principals." Guided tours: Available by appointment. For group visits of more than 10 people, please call to schedule: 04-26991105.

Cultural Historical Sites

Huangxi Academy Travel Information

Address：No. 10, Wenchang 1st St, Huangxi Village, Dadu District, Taichung City 432, Taiwan

Transportation Methods：(Bus): Take a Taichung Bus or Renyou Bus to Dadu Train Station, continue straight on Benhe Street, turn right onto Wenchang Road, cross the railway at Wenchang Bridge, continue straight, and turn left onto Alley 34. You will see Huangxi Academy. (Train): Take the coastal line train to Dadu Train Station, exit the station and turn right onto Benhe Street, turn right onto Wenchang Road, cross the railway at Wenchang Bridge, continue straight, and turn left onto Alley 34. You will see Huangxi Academy.

Other Nearby Attractions： Great Wall Hiking Trail 、 Dadu Blue Highway 、 Zhang Yugu Temple 、 Dadu Ruijing Hiking Trail 、 Zhukeng Nanliao Hiking Trail 、 Chen San Gong Temple 、 Dadu Ruijing Village 、 Kali Shan Tree 、 Henderson Park 、 Wang Gao Liao

Nearby Cuisine： Shih Hsin 、 Delicious Seafood Snacks 、 Happy Bakery 、 He Shan 、 New Black Cat Restaurant 、 Guang Xiang Ju Food 、 He Mei A Luo Goose Meat 、 Master Wu's Steamed Egg Cake Buns 、 Meiyu Food 、 Song Garden Japanese Restaurant