Gyeongbokgung Palace Introduction
Jingfu Temple in Taoyuan City is a temple located in the city center that serves as both a religious sanctuary and a witness to cultural history. As an important center of faith in the Taoyuan area, Jingfu Temple, known as the "Great Temple," has long been integrated into the lives and emotions of local residents. Moreover, the festive activities here make it a popular highlight of cultural tourism. With a rich history, the cultural lineage of Jingfu Temple can be traced back to 1745 when it was jointly built by immigrants from Zhangzhou, Fujian, who primarily worship the Kaizhang Shengwang. The temple’s incense originated from Zhangzhou, and as the number of immigrants increased in 1811, the original temple's size was no longer sufficient to represent the significance of their faith, prompting an expansion. The expansion project commenced in 1811 and, after two years of effort, was completed in 1813, enlarging the temple to a scale of three halls. The rear hall particularly dedicates worship to Guanyin, showcasing the diversity of faith. This reconstruction invited renowned artisans from Zhangzhou to carve seven grand guardian deities, among which the statue of the Shengwang is the largest and most exquisite representation of Kaizhang Shengwang from Taiwan's Qing Dynasty sculpture, commanding great respect from visitors. The architectural style of Jingfu Temple blends traditional Taiwanese techniques, with the internal plaques and stone columns capturing the craftsmanship of Qing Dynasty artisans. The design of the front hall and main hall was crafted by masters Chen Yingbin and Wu Haitong, creating an aesthetic hall that perfectly combines architecture and art. Additionally, the splash pool in the temple courtyard and the night lighting design add vibrancy and charm to this historical building. Jingfu Temple is active year-round with festive activities. From the New Year’s Eve head incense ceremony to the lively Kaizhang Shengwang birthday celebration, each event is imbued with historical warmth and the depth of traditional culture. Furthermore, special activities for Mother's Day, elegant rites of passage, solemn ceremonies for the Ghost Festival, romantic matchmaking events hosted by Yuelao, and the grand ritual of releasing water lanterns provide visitors with a multi-layered cultural experience. Beyond architecture and events, Jingfu Temple also sells a variety of cultural and creative products; from keychains symbolizing peace to charm pens that convey the wisdom of Wenchang, commemorative bracelets, wealth-granting coins, auspicious gold shovels, and charm bracelets. Even solid wood fortune-telling cups have become sought-after collectibles. These products are both practical and culturally meaningful, making them the perfect souvenirs for visitors.
