Wenwu Temple Introduction
During the Japanese colonial period, there were originally two temples by Sun Moon Lake, including Longfeng Temple in Shuishe Village and Yihua Hall, which was originally in Bujis Village (present-day Yueli Village). Later, due to the construction of hydroelectric projects by the Japanese, the water level of Sun Moon Lake rose, forcing the two temples to relocate. The Electric Power Company purchased the assets of the temples, which then used the proceeds to choose a new location and merge to build a new temple. In 1934, they rebuilt the temple on the northern shore of Sun Moon Lake in Songbolun, and completed the relocation in 1938. In 1969, Wunwu Temple was rebuilt again in a style reminiscent of Northern Song architecture, grand and imposing; the temple is divided into three halls: the front hall, the second floor of which is Shuiyun Palace, dedicated to the founding ancestor and WenChang DiJun among others; the middle hall, Martial Hall, is dedicated to Guan Sheng DiJun and Yue Fei; and the rear hall, Dacheng Hall, is dedicated to Confucius and other sages, where the deities of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism coexist. The Dacheng Hall of Wunwu Temple is the only Confucian temple in Taiwan with a central entrance. According to the temple management, this was to facilitate the large number of tourists visiting Sun Moon Lake, with no special significance. However, the seated bronze statue of Confucius in the Dacheng Hall is the only Confucian temple in Taiwan that honors a sacred image. In addition to the statue of Confucius, there are also statues of Mencius and Zisi. These three statues originally belonged to China and were lost to Japan during the Boxer Rebellion at the end of the Qing Dynasty, later replicated and moved to Wunwu Temple. As for the statues of Yan Zi and Zeng Zi, they were funded and sculpted by their descendants, accompanying Confucius on either side. The massive vermilion stone lions on both sides of the temple's front square are also a focal point for visitors. These stone lions were donated by Wu Huoshi, the founder of Shin Kong Group, leading the local residents to affectionately refer to them as "Wu Huoshi." Wunwu Temple is situated against the mountains with a lake view, boasting magnificent topography and scenery, serving as the center of faith for nearby residents, with flourishing incense offerings. From the observation platform on the rear hall, one can enjoy a panoramic view of Sun Moon Lake, with a vast perspective that embodies the grandeur of embracing the world.
