Changhua Confucius Temple Introduction
The Changhua Confucius Temple was founded in 1726 during the Qing Yongzheng period. The current layout is a result of renovations during the Daoguang period, with the main hall, known as the "Dacheng Hall," featuring the most exquisite carvings. Inside the hall, there are tablets honoring sage philosophers, and a shrine dedicated to Confucius is placed at the center. Above it hang two plaques inscribed with "Dao贯古今" (The Way Connecting Past and Present) and "与天地参" (In Accord with Heaven and Earth); the former was presented by Mr. Chiang Ching-kuo and the latter conferred by Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty, making it an important symbol of educational development in central Taiwan. Originally grand in scale, the complex included, in addition to the Confucius Temple, facilities such as Baisha Academy and Minglun Hall. Currently, the structures that remain are the Dacheng Hall, the East Wing, the West Wing, the rear hall of the Sacred Sage Shrine, the Ji Gate, and the Lingxing Gate. Unfortunately, the outer ceremonial gate, the Yilu, the Panchi, and the palace walls were all destroyed during the Japanese colonial period. Today, the Changhua Confucius Temple retains about two-thirds of its original size and was restored to its original state in 1978 (the 67th year of the Republic of China).
