Gyeongbokgung Palace Introduction
Jingfu Temple in Taoyuan City is a temple located in the city center, serving as both a religious sanctuary and a testament to cultural history. As an important faith center in the Taoyuan area, Jingfu Temple, often referred to 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 for cultural tourism. The history of Jingfu Temple can be traced back to 1745, jointly constructed by immigrants from Zhangzhou, Fujian. It mainly enshrines the God of the Opening of Zhangzhou (Kaizhang Shengwang), with its religious origins coming from Zhangzhou. In 1811, due to an increase in the number of immigrants, the original temple structure was inadequate to reflect the significance of their faith, prompting an expansion. The expansion project began in 1811 and was completed in 1813 after two years of work, enlarging the temple to a three-hall structure. The rear hall is specially dedicated to Avalokiteshvara, showcasing the diversity of faith. The reconstruction invited renowned craftsmen from Zhangzhou to carve seven grand statues for the temple. Among them, the statue of the God of the Opening of Zhangzhou is the largest and most exquisite representation of Kaizhang Shengwang in Taiwan's Qing Dynasty sculpture, commanding respect from visitors with its solemn and benevolent presence. The architectural style of Jingfu Temple incorporates traditional Taiwanese techniques, with the interior plaques and stone pillars recording the craftsmanship of Qing Dynasty artisans. The designs of the front hall and the main hall were created by masters Chen Ying-bin and Wu Hai-tong, forming an aesthetic hall that perfectly blends architecture and art. Additionally, the water-dragon pool in the courtyard and the night lighting design add vibrancy and charm to this historical building. Jingfu Temple is active throughout the year with various festive activities. From the New Year's Eve head incense ceremony to the lively birthday celebration of Kaizhang Shengwang, each event is filled with the warmth of history and the depth of traditional culture. The special activities during Mother’s Day, the elegant ceremony for coming-of-age, the solemn worship during the Ghost Festival, the romantic matchmaking orchestrated by the God of Love, and the spectacular water lantern ceremony all offer visitors a multi-faceted cultural experience. In addition to architecture and activities, Jingfu Temple also sells a variety of cultural and creative products. From peace-symbolizing talisman keychains to wisdom-delivering pendants shaped like pens, and from commemorative bracelets to money talismans, as well as auspicious gold shovels and talisman wristbands, even solid wood divination cups have become collectible items. These products are both practical and rich in cultural significance, making them the perfect souvenirs for visitors.
