Huangxi Academy Introduction
The Huango Creek Academy, also known as the Wenchang Temple, was established during the Qing Dynasty by gentry Zhao Shunfang and Yang Zhan'ao. In the 14th year of the Guangxu reign (1888), the academy was built to enroll students from today's Dadu, Longjing, and Wuri districts, implementing enlightenment education. Inside the hall is the statue of Wenchang Dijun, the deity of scholarly success. As the university entrance exams and vocational examinations approach, the hall is filled with copies of candidates' admission tickets. The academy features a typical Qing Dynasty architectural layout with a quadrangle consisting of two courtyards, double corridors, and seven rooms, accompanied by four altars for worship. The building materials used include ornate bricks, bluestone, Quanzhou white stone, and Fushan wood, making it exquisitely beautiful and comparable to the Eastern Changhua Academy. The Huango Creek Academy, commonly referred to as Wenchang Temple, honors Wenchang Dijun and includes a worship hall and main hall. The academy has an ancient plaque stating: "Elegant Songs of Filial Piety," inscribed during the Guangxu Dingxu year by the appointed royal bodyguard Liao Jinhua. Its stone column couplets read: "The Huango stone releases the half-pen, the majestic pen array opens at the cliffs; the creek reflects green, countless layers rise with literary waves." Another couplet states: "The Huango breath reaches the mystical throne of the celestial; the creek's traces unite with the vibrant brilliance of the terrace." A significant ancient bell from the academy was looted by the Japanese army during World War II and is now placed in the Dadu National Elementary School campus. The inscription on the bell states: "Huango Creek Academy, Wenchang Dijun, in the 15th year of Guangxu, at the beginning of the autumn month, respectfully dedicated by local gentry." The Huango Creek Academy is the oldest surviving building in the Dadu District and the only remaining academy in Taichung, designated as a municipal historic site. As the educational center of the former Dadu region (including Dadu, Wuri, and Longjing), it has a history of over 130 years since its construction during the Guangxu era. Its materials, shapes, and construction techniques are exquisite, especially noted for the detailed craftsmanship of the bricks, making it an outstanding work of cultural education architecture from the late Qing era. From its establishment during the Qing rule, Huango Creek Academy has been a spiritual symbol and cultural fortress for the Dadu area, where ancestors of early residents were enlightened in their studies. Numerous scholars emerged during the imperial examination era, and it has passed down traditions over generations, fostering a rich academic culture, with many aspiring individuals originating from the Huango Creek Academy. Today, the Dadu District continues to thrive academically, renowned as the "Hometown of Principals." Guided Tours: ■ Yes □ No ■ Reservation Required. Reservation Phone: 04-26991105. Groups of 10 or more are welcome to apply for group reservations.
