Changhua Confucius Temple Introduction
The Changhua Confucius Temple was established in 1726 during the Qing Dynasty under the Yongzheng Emperor. The current layout is the result of a major renovation during the Daoguang period, with the main hall, "Dacheng Hall," being the most exquisitely carved structure. Inside the hall, there are tablets of esteemed scholars, and in the center is a shrine dedicated to Confucius, above which hang two plaques inscribed with "Dao Guàn Gǔ Jīn" (道貫古今) and "Yǔ Tiāndì Cān" (與天地參). The former was awarded by Mr. Chiang Ching-kuo, while the latter was granted by Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty, symbolizing the importance of cultural and educational development in central Taiwan. Originally grand in scale, the complex included the Confucius Temple as well as facilities such as the Baisha Academy and the Minglun Hall. Currently remaining structures include Dacheng Hall, the East and West Wings, the rear hall, the Shrine of the Sage, the Lingxing Gate, and the Ji Gate. Unfortunately, other elements such as the ceremonial gate, the righteous path, the Panchi pond, 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 underwent restoration to its original state in 1978 (the 67th year of the Republic of China).
