Yan Nan Academy Introduction
Yan Nan Academy is a place of scholarly teaching established by the Song Dynasty scholar Zhu Xi in Kinmen, and it is the earliest cultural and educational shrine in Kinmen. This initiative also fostered a literary atmosphere in the area, leading to the production of many successful candidates during the Ming and Qing dynasties. In the late Ming Dynasty, Yan Nan Academy was transformed into the Taiwenyan Temple, which primarily worships the Black-faced Qingshui Master, and together with the Taiwu Mountain Haiyin Temple, the Tianpu Chenghuang Temple, the Jincheng South Gate Xianglian Temple, and the Anqian Enzhu Gong Temple, they are collectively known as the Five Great Temples of Kinmen. The interior of Yan Nan Academy is designed in a "回" shape, with the main hall dedicated to the Black-faced Qingshui Master, and the rear hall central shrine worshipping the Wenchang Dijun, Zhu Xi, and Kaixing Ya, deities associated with academia and examinations. The flanking rooms are planned for cultural exhibitions and activity spaces, allowing visitors to appreciate calligraphy works and read books. There is also a large installation art piece in the form of a giant scroll in the square outside the academy, which has become an alternative photo spot in Kinmen. Additionally, the elevated location of Yan Nan Academy offers a great vantage point to enjoy views of Kinmen City and Xiamen City.
