Wenchang Temple
Wen chang temple was completed in 1797 during the Qing dynasty and is dedicated to Chinese god of literature Wen Chang Dijun. Wen Chang Dijun is a popular god in Taiwan (especially with students) and he is found in many educated Taiwanese’ homes across the island. Students regularly study Chinese classics here. There are two Wenchang temples, one in Beitun Dist. (est. 1888) and the older located in Nantun Dist. (south Taichung). The temple was once used as a school during the Japanese occupation period of Taiwan in 1898. Nantun traditional market and ‘Old Street’ is directly behind this temple as well as Wanhe temple nearby – Taichung’s oldest temple. The Wenchang temple is a category 3 listed historical site.
Details:
408台中市南屯區文昌街100號
No. 100 Wenchang St. Nantun District, Taichung City, 408
Open: Daytime hours (free entry)
Tel: 04-2389 3285
Web: http://www.wcgt.org
Getting There:
From the train station head up Taiwan Boulevard (台灣大道) to First Square bus stop (around 150m passed McDonalds on your right-hand side). Take bus no. 40 to Nantun South Road bus stop which is just across from a 7-11. Walk up Nantun Road about 500m to Wanhe Road 1st Section (萬和路一段) and turn left. Wanhe temple (萬和廟) is a few hundred meters down Wanhe road on the right. From Wenhe Temple, walk down Wanhe Road to Wenchang St. (文昌街) and turn right. Wenchang temple (文昌廟) is just after Nanxing lane (南興巷) around 50m up the road on the right.
References:
http://www.tcw.moj.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=142747&CtNode=24665&mp=143
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temples_of_Taichung