Dou East Academy in Changhua

　　Academies were key institutions of private education in Taiwan during the Qing Dynasty, shouldering the important mission of passing on poetry, literature, and Confucian principles. Dou East Academy was once the center of learning in Hemei, Changhua; the name “Dou East” signifies welcoming the Way of the King from the east and promoting the teachings of Zhu Xi. The main hall enshrines Zhu Xi and is also known as the Confucian Temple. It is the only academy in Taiwan listed as a second-class historic site.

　　The academy was built in the 7th year of the Xianfeng reign during the Qing Dynasty (1858), covering an area of 2,500 pyeong. It is a traditional Minnan-style quadrangle complex, featuring dragon ridges and phoenix tails, with majestic halls. The architectural layout is divided into front and rear sections, surrounded by walls, a screen wall, and a crescent-shaped pond—forming a complete complex. The first section serves as the entrance hall, while the second section functions as the main hall for lectures and worship. The east and west wing rooms were used as dormitories for students, with brick-lined round gates on both sides leading to side rooms behind the main hall. Inside the lecture hall hangs an ancient plaque from the Guangxu era inscribed with “Climbing the Ladder to Master Rare Learning.” The left and right walls are engraved with historical accounts of the academy’s development. The gable decorations above the lecture hall are exquisitely crafted, comparable to those of the Longshan Temple in Lukang.

　　Strolling through the grounds, one can imagine the resonant sounds of scholars reading in the past, vividly bringing back the scholarly ambiance of bygone days. In addition, local community groups often hold folk and cultural events here, adding vitality to this century-old structure.

　　Getting There: From Changhua Railway Station, take a Changhua Bus bound for Hemei and get off at the terminal. Walk along Zhongshan Road, turn left at the market onto Ren’an Road, go straight through the roundabout, and continue for five minutes along the road next to Hemei Elementary School to reach the academy.