Longtan Holy Temple Introduction
Ancient people established "Jingzi Pavilion" or "Xizi Pavilion" as furnaces for burning paper with written words to respect the transmission of knowledge and the power brought by writing. The Hakka people have historically valued literature, so "Jingzi Pavilions" are commonly found in their settlements. The Shengji Pavilion in Longtan is currently the best-preserved and largest "Jingzi Pavilion" in the country, built in 1875 by local scholar Gu Xiangxian and others through fundraising. The current appearance of the Longtan Shengji Pavilion was renovated in 1925 during the Japanese colonial period. The entire pavilion is designed with a symmetrical layout, featuring a pavilion body, middle gate, and head gate, giving the area a sense of ethereal solemnity and order. The raised stone pens on both sides enhance the lofty status of ancient literature and the respect for written paper, while the flowing cloud wall and the double-eight gate forming the middle gate reflect the designer's understanding and intention regarding the significance of the "Jingzi Pavilion." Source: Cultural Affairs Bureau of the City Government.
