aeeble

The historical site formerly known as the "Temple of the God of Literature" has been designated as a county-level cultural heritage site and currently operates under the name Xingxian Academy. Dedicated primarily to enshrining the God of Literature, it has a nearly 200-year history. The Temple was initially constructed during the 12th year of the Jiaqing period of the Qing Dynasty (1807 AD). Serving as the local academy of its era, it housed the early Xingxian Society, a social hub for scholars in the Yuanlin area to foster camaraderie and a shared dedication to study. Featuring a double-pavilion architectural layout, the Xingxian Academy combines a modest educational and residential design, with structures comprising the main hall, rear hall, wing rooms, flower hall, and the Tribute to the Sage Pavilion. The main hall exemplifies an unadorned framework style, representing the less commonly seen "two-attached mountain wall" roof structure. Among its significant artifacts are the Dragon Steps (also known as "Imperial Path Stones"), which bear exquisite granite carvings of cloud and dragon motifs. Though rustic in form, these steps radiate a quiet spiritual quality, presenting a blend of ancient simplicity and meticulous artistry.