Yan Nan Academy Introduction
Yan Nan Academy is an educational institution founded by the Song Dynasty scholar Zhu Xi in Kinmen, and it is also the earliest cultural and educational site in Kinmen. This initiative promoted the literary atmosphere in the area, resulting in many successful candidates during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. In the late Ming Dynasty, Yan Nan Academy was renamed Taiwenyan Temple, which primarily worships the Black-faced Water Deity. Along with Taiwu Mountain Haiyin Temple, Tianpu City God Temple, Jincheng South Gate Xianglian Temple, and Anqian Enzhu Gong Temple, it is collectively known as the five famous temples of Kinmen. The interior of Yan Nan Academy features a "hui" character design, with the main hall dedicated to the Black-faced Water Deity and the rear hall centrally housing deities related to academic examinations, including Wenchang Dijun, Zhu Xi, and Kweiching. The side rooms are designated for cultural exhibitions and activity spaces where visitors can appreciate calligraphy and read books. An oversized scroll installation art piece is also set up in the plaza outside the academy, which has become a unique photo spot in Kinmen. Additionally, the elevated terrain of Yan Nan Academy provides a great vantage point for enjoying views of Kinmen City and Xiamen.
