Su-ao Jin'an Temple (Zhang Gong Temple) Introduction
Jin'an Temple is dedicated to the deity known as "Fazhu Gong," originally named Zhang, and is often referred to as Zhang Gong Temple. It is the oldest temple in Su'ao, with Fazhu Gong being the local guardian deity of Quanzhou, Fujian, indirectly highlighting that the people from Quanzhou were among the first Han Chinese to settle in the Su'ao area. The early pioneers from Quanzhou sought a place to settle overseas and invited the local guardian deity, Fazhu Gong, to accompany them by boat, to drive away the plagues of the wild lands, facilitating the establishment of a temple in the Yung Chun area of Su'ao. Subsequently, through diligent development, a large plain was cultivated in the Sanxing Dapu area, attracting nearly a hundred Quanzhou immigrants to settle in Yilan. In Jin'an Temple, there is an old piece of blue-dyed cloth inscribed with the names of twenty-six pioneering figures, alongside preserved monument inscriptions, carrying significant historical heritage. Jin'an Temple also has an amusing story; while typical temple gates have stone lions in a "male left, female right" arrangement, Jin'an Temple has them the other way around. Furthermore, the shops in front of the temple are often managed by women, giving rise to the local nickname "Jingmou Street," adding to the interesting legends of the Su'ao area. In the past, during the Zhang Gong's birthday celebration (on the 8th day of the 3rd lunar month), the temple would hold grand activities to welcome the deity on a pilgrimage, praying for peace in the community, an important event highly regarded in Su'ao. In recent years, to foster local connections and revive folk culture, Jin'an Temple has begun hosting "Banquet Culture" events, inviting performing arts groups to entertain, making for a lively atmosphere.
