Zhongli Rén Hai Temple Introduction
Renhai Temple, a foundation awarded fourth place in the Ministry of the Interior's "Top 100 Religious Sites in Taiwan," was established in the sixth year of Daoguang's reign (1826) and primarily worships Mazu. With nearly 200 years of history, it was jointly built by 13 neighborhoods from Zhongli, Pingzhen, and Yangmei and initially enshrined Guanyin Bodhisattva, later adding Mazu. It has undergone five major renovations and is the oldest temple in Zhongli, located on Xinjie Street, hence the nickname "Xinjie Temple." The temple has always been a bustling site for worship and is an important religious center for the residents of Zhongli, also known as "Zhongli Mazu." During the Japanese colonial period, Renhai Temple was the only temple in the Zhongli area to escape demolition due to the Japanization movement. The adjacent Shengji Pavilion was rebuilt during the Showa era and retains features of pebble-wash and Baroque decorative art, vividly showcasing the architectural style of cultural fusion at that time. The layout and style of Renhai Temple inherit from traditional southern Chinese architecture, comprising a front hall, main hall, and rear hall, which belong to the triple-hall architectural pattern. The mountain gate stands independently in front of the main temple edifice, featuring four pillars and three doors, creating a majestic atmosphere. In 2019, extensive renovations were completed, and a new incense Mazu hall was established. The thousand-year-old incense Mazu statue, standing at 109 cm and weighing 53 kg, is solemn and rarely dressed in official garments, holding unique significance, comparable to the Dajia Golden Mazu and Yilan Coral Mazu. Today, Renhai Temple has renewed its architectural artistry with intricately carved beams and painted rafters, showcasing the splendor of a centenary temple. Currently, Renhai Temple in Zhongli frequently hosts various celebrations and folk activities, such as the Mazu's birthday on the 23rd day of the lunar calendar in March, the Ghost Festival "Zhongyuan Pudu," "Releasing Water Lanterns," and Mazu's return pilgrimage and procession in November, attracting many worshippers from various regions. These are all significant celebration activities. (Source: Renhai Temple)
