Huangxi Academy Introduction
The former Xi Yong Society, founded by gentry Zhao Shun-fang and Yang Zhan-ao during the Jiaqing period of the Qing Dynasty, is also known as the Wen Chang Temple. In the 14th year of the Guangxu period (1888), the "Huangxi Academy" was built to enroll students from the present-day districts of Dadu, Longjing, and Wuri, implementing enlightenment education. Inside the hall, the deity Wen Chang Dijun, who presides over literary merit and fame, is worshiped. As major examinations such as the Basic Education Test and the Technological Vocational Examination approach, the hall is filled with copies of examinees' admission tickets. The layout of the academy features a two-section, double-protecting-dragon, seven-opening courtyard with four offering pavilions, representing a typical academy architecture of the Guangxu period. The building materials include decorative bricks, blue stones, Quanzhou white stones, and Fujian fir, which are exquisite and splendid, comparable to the Zhanghua Dao East Academy. Scale: Huangxi Academy, commonly known as Wen Chang Temple, worships Wen Chang Dijun and includes a worship hall and a main hall. The ancient plaque at this academy reads: "Elegant Songs of Filial Piety and Brotherhood," which was inscribed by the imperial guard Liao Jin-hua during the Guangxu Bingxu examination. The couplet on the stone columns reads: "Huangshi reveals the charm of the half-rugged mountain battle formation, the stream reflects the blue waves rising like literary tides." The large ancient bell of Huangxi Academy was looted by the Japanese army during World War II and is now placed on the grounds of Dadu National Elementary School. The inscription on the bell states: "Huangxi Academy, Wen Chang Dijun, Guangxu 15th year, Yichou season autumn month, respectfully established by the local gentry and citizens." Huangxi Academy is the oldest surviving building in the Dadu District and the only existing academy in Taichung City, now designated as a municipal historic site. Also known as Wen Chang Temple, Huangxi Academy was once the cultural center of the Dadu area (including Dadu, Wuri, and Longjing). Built during the Guangxu period, it has a history of over 130 years, with exquisite materials, shapes, and construction techniques, especially noted for the fine craftsmanship of brickwork, making it an outstanding work of educational architecture from the late Qing Dynasty. Since its establishment during the Qing rule, Huangxi Academy has been a spiritual symbol and cultural stronghold in the Dadu area, where the ancestors of early residents received education, producing several top scholars during the imperial examination era. Throughout generations, the academic influence remained strong, with many aspiring individuals emerging from Huangxi Academy. Even today, the Dadu area still boasts a thriving cultural atmosphere, famously known as the "hometown of principals." Guided tours: ■Available □Not available ■Reservation required Reservation phone: 04-26991105 Group visits for 10 or more persons are open for reservation applications.
