Kaohsiung Fengshan｜Fengyi Academy—Exploring a city's memories amidst red tiles and the fragrance of books.

Stepping into Fengyi Academy feels like turning back time by 200 years: red brick floors, cedar beams, mottled window shadows, and an exhibition of figurines that reenact the imperial examination and daily life of commoners right before your eyes. This is Fengshan's most gentle history classroom. • Name｜Fengyi Academy (Fengyi Academy Cultural Park) • Location｜No. 62, Fengming Street, Fengshan District, Kaohsiung City (next to Fengshan Chenghuang Temple) • Ticket Price｜General admission NT$66; other discounted tickets as per onsite announcements. • Opening Hours｜Weekdays 10:30–17:30, weekends 10:30–18:30 (closed on Mondays; ticket sales end 30 minutes before closing). • Transportation｜About a 6-minute walk from MRT Orange Line O12 Fengshan Station; also walkable from Fengshan Train Station. Background and Development｜From Imperial Academy to Urban Living Room • Origin: The academy was built in the 19th year of the Jiaqing reign (1814) during the Qing Dynasty, initiated by scholar Zhang Tingqin. It originally had 37 rooms and served as a key venue for students to study and take exams. Declared a historic site in 1985, it is now a city-designated monument and the largest academy in Taiwan. • Restoration and Transformation: After restoration in 2009, the site was revitalized with "Q-version figurines" and exhibitions, bringing examination halls, desks, official chambers, and daily objects to life. The integration of hardware and software makes learning enjoyable. ⸻ My Journey Through Fengyi Academy (Personal Experience) Walking through the main gate, the screen wall immediately captures your gaze. Passing through the front courtyard, the wooden door creaks open, and the cedar beams and mortise joints seem to breathe. The row of desks and figurines in your photos vividly reenact the scenes of "enrollment, teaching, exams, and results announcement"—adorable yet earnest. Especially in the official chamber area, standing outside the door and listening to the guide explain how Fengshan connected the academy with Chenghuang Temple, Confucian Temple, and daily life, I suddenly realized this is not a cold, lifeless monument but a former public knowledge hub. My favorite spot was the shaded corridor: sunlight moving across the red bricks like a metronome, reminding travelers to slow down. The wind was strong that day, and the faint scent of cypress lingered cleanly in the air. The incense, donation boxes, and inscriptions reminded me that studying was not just for fame but also for self-cultivation and responsibility. ⸻ How to Explore for Maximum Fun｜90-Minute Itinerary 1. Main Gate—Front Courtyard: Read the guideboard and take a ceremonial photo of the "front facade + plaque." 2. Lecture Hall—Desk Area: Attend "class" with the figurines and look for small Easter eggs of Wen Chang, Kui Xing, and Cang Sheng. 3. Official Chamber—Courtyard: Step into the chamber to see the official desk and ceremonial objects, then return to the courtyard to enjoy the breeze and contrast "authority and elegance." 4. Exhibition Rooms: Two small rooms explain the academy's history and restoration process. Don't forget to stamp your souvenir before leaving. ⸻ Top 6 Highlights for Travelers (Reasons to Visit) 1. Largest Academy in Taiwan: Complete architectural layout with rich layers. 2. Education-Friendly: Q-version figurines simplify the system and rituals, making it easy for families to understand. 3. Convenient Transportation: Just a 6-minute walk from the MRT, no parking worries. 4. Affordable Tickets: General admission NT$66, a high-value historical site. 5. Temple-Hopping: Next to Fengshan Chenghuang Temple and old town streets, perfect for a half-day stroll. 6. Photogenic Spots: Red tiles, wooden beams, window lattices, plaques, and light and shadow—your phone can capture the warmth. ⸻ Photography Tips 📸 • Main Gate + Plaque: Lower the horizon, leaving 2/3 of the frame for the sky and wooden structures for cleaner lines. • Desk Close-Up: Capture the desk and figurines at a 45° angle, focusing on the wood grain for a storytelling vibe. • Corridor Portraits: During side-light hours (around 3 PM), position the subject at the edge of the column row for naturally elongated shadows. • Details: Incense burners, cinnabar stamps, and examination signs are worth photographing—they're the "props" of this academy. ⸻ Food Recommendations (with Addresses!)—After exploring the monument, treat your stomach gently • Fengyi Noodles (Original Store) Address: No. 8, Lane 2, Anning Street, Fengshan District, Kaohsiung City. My Order: A bowl of noodle soup + a serving of rice cake. The noodles have a southern-style sweetness, with garlic paste and black vinegar adding layers. The rice cake is soft but not mushy, topped with delicately fragrant minced meat and cucumber slices to balance the richness. Why Recommend: Within walking distance of the academy, over 30 years of local reputation, affordable prices, and quick service. If it's crowded, take it to-go and enjoy it under nearby greenery. • Uncle's Ice Shop (Old Brand in Zhonghua Market) Address: No. 6-3, Xinyi Street, Fengshan District, Kaohsiung City. My Order: Lemon juice + mixed ice. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is sharp and refreshing, and the simple ice toppings are perfect for cooling down after walking the academy-Chenghuang Temple route. ⸻ Extended Route｜Turn Fengshan into a "Cultural Walking Map" • Fengshan Chenghuang Temple (next to the academy) → Explore the temple courtyard and market. • Dadong Arts Center/Dadong Park → Modern architecture and greenery complementing the monument. • Fengshan Old City East Gate—Heisei Fort → Trace the remnants of city walls and military history. (All routes are walkable or accessible via MRT, centered around Fengshan Old Town.) ⸻ Practical Tips and Avoiding Pitfalls 💡 • Entry Timing: Avoid tour groups; visit 30 minutes after opening or before 4 PM for the best lighting. • Guided Tours: Check onsite or website for tour schedules; even self-guided, don't miss the exhibition rooms' restoration stories. • Etiquette: Do not touch exhibits; be cautious around incense areas. Wear comfortable shoes as the monument has uneven ground. • Weather: Summer sunlight is intense, and the courtyard has little shade. Stay hydrated and apply sunscreen. • Tickets: General admission NT$66; other discounts as per website announcements. Ticket sales end 30 minutes before closing. ⸻ Quick Card • Fengyi Academy｜No. 62, Fengming Street, Fengshan District, Kaohsiung City｜Weekdays 10:30–17:30, weekends 10:30–18:30, closed Mondays. • MRT｜Orange Line O12 Fengshan Station, about a 6-minute walk. • Ticket Price｜General admission NT$66 (others as per onsite announcements). • Phone｜07-740-5362. ⸻ Why I Would Revisit (4 Reasons) 1. No distance between history and daily life. 2. Quiet courtyard, great for photography. 3. Accessible via MRT, walkable. 4. Easy to pair with food and drinks—my top recommendation for a half-day cultural trip in Kaohsiung. Fengyi Academy｜Fengshan Chenghuang Temple｜Fengshan Old City｜Dadong Arts Center｜Fengyi Noodles｜Uncle's Ice Shop