Zhenwen Academy (Wen Temple) Introduction
The last of the Four Great Academies, built in 1797, originally served as the Wenchang Emperor Shrine. It has historically been a gathering place for many literati to engage in poetry societies, rich in cultural atmosphere, and is the only surviving academy among the Four Great Academies of Yunlin. The plaque preserved since the Jiaqing period hanging from the beam is considered a national treasure. Zhenwen Academy is located at the intersection of Xingnong West Road and Wenchang Road. Its predecessor was the Wenchang Di Jun Temple, built in 1797 (the second year of the Jiaqing period), dedicated to the Wenchang Zizhong Emperor, Wenheng Emperor, Fuyou Emperor, Zhu Yi Emperor, and Lu Yi Emperor, commonly referred to as the "Five Great Wenchang Emperors." Locals call it the "Wen Shrine Temple." Within the Wen Shrine, societies such as the Zhenwen Society and the Tan Society were established, allowing poetry enthusiasts to gather. In 1812 (the 17th year of Jiaqing), people like Wang Youcheng initiated the establishment of the academy, with local gentlemen like Liao Chenghe actively donating to its construction. It was completed the following year, and a plaque from 1813 (the Year of the Water Rooster) hangs from the beam, inscribed with the words "Qianqiu Shuzu," making it a remaining treasure of Yunlin County.
