Huangxi Academy Introduction
Originally established as the Xiyong Society by gentry Zhao Shunfang and Yang Zhanao during the Qing Jiaqing period, it is also known as the Wenchang Temple. In the 14th year of the Guangxu era (1888), the Huangxi Academy was built to recruit children from the current Dadu, Longjing, and Wuri districts for enlightenment education. Inside the hall, the deity Wenchang Dijun, who oversees academic success, is enshrined. During examination periods such as the General Scholastic Ability Test and vocational higher education exams, the hall is filled with copies of candidates' admission tickets. The layout of the academy features a traditional quadrangle with two entrances, double dragon guardians, seven openings, and four altars used for worship, which is typical of academies built during the Qing Guangxu period. The building materials include carved bricks, blue stones, Quanzhou white stones, and Fushan wood, which are exquisite and magnificent, comparable to the Changhua Daodong Academy. The academy, colloquially known as Wenchang Temple, enshrines Wenchang Dijun and includes a worship hall and a main hall. The ancient plaque within the academy reads “Ya Ge Xiao You,” inscribed by Liao Jinhua, the imperial guard appointed in the Guangxu year of Bingxu. Other inscriptions include “Jing Tian Wei Di” and “In the Guangxu year of Yichou, on the 1st day of the 10th month, the gentlemen and residents of Huangxi Academy jointly established this.” The stone pillar couplets read: “Huangshi Shudan, half wall Cuo’e opens up the writer’s formation; the stream reflects green, layers of vastness arise from the literary wave.” One significant ancient bell from Huangxi Academy was plundered by the Japanese army during World War II and is now placed in the campus of Dadu Elementary School. The inscription on the bell states: “Huangxi Academy, Wenchang Dijun, in the 15th year of Guangxu, during the season of autumn, the gentlemen and residents respectfully established this.” Huangxi Academy is the oldest surviving building in Dadu District and the only existing academy in Taichung City, currently recognized as a city-designated historic site. Colloquially known as Wenchang Temple, Huangxi Academy was the cultural and educational center of the past Dadu region (including Dadu, Wuri, and Longjing townships). Established during the Qing Guangxu period, it has a history of more than 130 years, characterized by exquisite building materials, designs, and construction techniques, particularly famous for its detailed brickwork, making it an outstanding example of educational architecture from the late Qing period. Since its establishment in the Qing period, Huangxi Academy has been a spiritual symbol and cultural stronghold in the Dadu area, where early residents' ancestors began their education, and many scholars emerged during the imperial examination era, fostering a rich academic atmosphere that continues to this day. Dadu District is still well-known for its vibrant scholarship, often referred to as the "Hometown of Principals." Guided Tours: ■ Available □ Not available ■ Reservation required. Reservation phone: 04-26991105. Group visits for 10 or more people can be arranged through advance reservation applications.
