Xingxian Academy, located in Yuanlin City, Changhua County, was founded in 1807 during the 12th year of the Jiaqing reign in the Qing Dynasty. Originally established as a temple dedicated to Wenchang Dijun (the God of Literature), it became one of the earliest educational institutions in the area. During the Daoguang reign, Qiu Hai, a Confucian scholar from Raoping in Guangdong, came to Taiwan and founded a private school within the temple. He educated many local students and, upon his death, donated his land to the academy to support future scholars. In honor of his contribution to education, he is still venerated at the academy.
Xingxian Academy
In 1881, during the Guangxu reign, local gentry raised funds to expand the Wenchang temple into a formal academy, renaming it “Xingxian Academy.” A management system was introduced, and the school flourished, attracting numerous students. During the Japanese colonial era, the academy became a cultural center. In 1926, the “Xingxian Poetry Society” was founded, making it a gathering place for intellectuals across the Yanwu region.
Near the end of World War II, the academy was damaged, and after the war, it lost its farmland income, causing financial strain. Property disputes eventually led to illegal occupation, and the site fell into disrepair. In 1985, it was designated a Level-3 historic monument by the Ministry of the Interior. After the devastating 921 Earthquake in 1999, the academy’s main structures collapsed. With joint efforts from the local community and government, the site was reconstructed through artifact restoration, design planning, and resident relocation. Reopened in 2006, Xingxian Academy was fully restored and now serves as a vital symbol of education and culture in the region.
Xingxian Academy
In 1881, during the Guangxu reign, local gentry raised funds to expand the Wenchang temple into a formal academy, renaming it “Xingxian Academy.” A management system was introduced, and the school flourished, attracting numerous students. During the Japanese colonial era, the academy became a cultural center. In 1926, the “Xingxian Poetry Society” was founded, making it a gathering place for intellectuals across the Yanwu region.
Near the end of World War II, the academy was damaged, and after the war, it lost its farmland income, causing financial strain. Property disputes eventually led to illegal occupation, and the site fell into disrepair. In 1985, it was designated a Level-3 historic monument by the Ministry of the Interior. After the devastating 921 Earthquake in 1999, the academy’s main structures collapsed. With joint efforts from the local community and government, the site was reconstructed through artifact restoration, design planning, and resident relocation. Reopened in 2006, Xingxian Academy was fully restored and now serves as a vital symbol of education and culture in the region.
