Zhongli Renhai Temple Introduction
The Zhongli Renhai Temple, which ranked fourth in the Ministry of the Interior's Top 100 Religious Sites in Taiwan, was established in the sixth year of the Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty (1826) and is primarily dedicated to Matsu. With nearly 200 years of history, it was built by the communities of Zhongli, Pingzhen, Yangmei, and other 13 villages. Initially, it only enshrined Guanyin Bodhisattva, later adding Matsu. It has undergone five major renovations and is the oldest temple in Zhongli, located on Xinjie Street, hence the nickname "Xinjie Temple". It has always been a popular site of worship and is an important center of faith for local residents, also known as "Zhongli Matsu". Renhai Temple is the only temple in the Zhongli area that survived the dismantling during the Japanese occupation's Japanese assimilation movement. The adjacent Sacred Pavilion, rebuilt during the Showa period, retains elements of the pebble-wash and Baroque decorative arts styles that illustrate the cultural fusion of that time. The architectural layout and style of Renhai Temple follow the traditional architecture of southern China, consisting of a front hall, main hall, and rear hall, displaying a three-hall structure. The mountain gate stands independently in front of the temple, characterized by four pillars and three doors, creating a magnificent atmosphere. In 2019, renovations were completed along with the addition of a sandalwood Matsu hall. The thousand-year sandalwood Matsu statue is 109 cm tall and weighs 53 kg; with a solemn appearance, it is rarely depicted in official attire, holding unique significance, comparable to the golden Matsu statue of Dajia and the coral Matsu of Yilan. Today, the temple's carved beams, painted rafters, and red towers have been revitalized, showcasing the grandeur of a century-old temple. Currently, Zhongli Renhai Temple frequently hosts various celebrations and folk activities, including Matsu's birthday on the 23rd day of the third lunar month, the Zhongyuan Festival with "Zhongyuan Pudu" and "Water Lantern Release", and the "Matsu Return and Procession" in the 11th lunar month, attracting worshippers from all over to participate, making these events significant cultural celebrations. (Source: Renhai Temple)
