Yuanlin Xinxian Academy

The Xinxian Academy, a former school and a county-designated historical monument, was originally named 'Wenchang Dijun Temple'. It is primarily dedicated to the Wenchang Emperor and has a history of nearly two hundred years. The 'Wenchang Dijun Temple' was founded in the 12th year of the Jiaqing reign of the Qing Dynasty (1807 AD). It served as a local school in the past, and during its initial establishment, the 'Xinxian Society' (a community school) was set up within it, providing a place for scholars from the Yuanlin area to gather, form friendships, respect their studies, and enjoy communal life. With a double-courtyard architectural layout, the Xinxian Academy features simple teaching and living spaces. Its spaces are primarily designated for teaching and residence. The architectural structure includes the main hall, rear hall, side rooms, flower hall, and a Jingsheng Pavilion, among others. The main hall's structural framework is simple and unadorned, featuring a relatively rare double-gable roof truss. Other important cultural relics in the academy include the Imperial Road Stone, also known as the 'Dragon Staircase'. The carving on the Dragon Staircase is exquisite, crafted from granite with cloud-dragon patterns. Its rustic simplicity exudes a spiritual quality, with an antique style that is both crude and refined.