Wunwu Temple Introduction
During the Japanese colonial period, there were originally two temples located by Sun Moon Lake: Longfeng Temple in Shuishe Village and Yihua Hall, which was originally in Bugui Village (now known as Jiyue Village). Later, due to the construction of hydropower projects by the Japanese, the water level of Sun Moon Lake rose, necessitating the relocation of the two temples. The Electric Power Company acquired the temple assets, and with the funds obtained, they chose a new site to merge and rebuild the temples. In 1934, the temple was rebuilt at Songbolun on the northern shore of Sun Moon Lake, and the relocation was completed in 1938. In 1969, Wenwu Temple was once again rebuilt, featuring a grand and imposing architecture reminiscent of the Northern Dynasties of China. The temple is divided into three main halls: the front hall on the second floor is Water Cloud Palace, dedicated to the founding ancestor and Wenchang Dijun, the central hall is the Martial Sage Hall, dedicated to Guansheng Dijun and Yue Wumu Wang, and the rear hall, known as the Great Accomplishment Hall, enshrines the most revered sage Confucius, along with deities from Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism all coexisting in one place. The Great Accomplishment Hall of Wenwu Temple is the only Confucian temple in Taiwan that has a central gate. According to the temple authorities, this was because Wenwu Temple is located by Sun Moon Lake, where there are many tourists, and the central gate was added for the convenience of visitors without any special significance. However, the bronze statue of Confucius in the Great Accomplishment Hall is the only Confucian temple in Taiwan that houses a sacred likeness. In addition to the statue of Confucius, there are also statues of Mencius and Zisi. These three statues were originally enshrined in China and were displaced due to the Boxer Rebellion at the end of the Qing Dynasty, eventually ending up at Hōyō Temple in Japan. They were later replicated and moved to Wenwu Temple. Statues of Yan Hui and Zengzi were funded and created by their descendants, positioned alongside Confucius. The large vermilion stone lions on either side of the temple square are also a focal point for visitors. This pair of stone lions was donated by Wu Huoshi, the founder of the Shin Kong Group, and the local people affectionately refer to them as "Wu Huoshi." Wenwu Temple is majestically situated with mountains at its back and the lake in front, showcasing beautiful scenery and serving as a spiritual center for nearby residents with a thriving incense offering. From the observation platform at the rear hall, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Sun Moon Lake, with an expansive vista that embodies a sense of embracing the world.
