Fulian Temple Introduction
At the end of Heping Old Street stands a century-old temple, adding a solemn atmosphere to the bustling commercial area. Furen Temple, known as the "big temple" among the locals, was built in the 18th year of the Jiaqing era (1813). The Fujian immigrants from Zhangzhou pooled their resources to construct the temple to avoid the inconvenience of crossing the Dajhongkeng River to Pu Ding to worship the Kaizhang Shengwang during festivals. Today, Furen Temple is not only a significant religious site for Zhangzhou beliefs in Daxi but also uniquely worships local deities from Hakka, Chaozhou, and Quanzhou. During the Japanese occupation, Furen Temple established an 'Anmin Bureau' as a local stronghold against the Japanese invasion and was used as a garrison hospital. After undergoing two reconstructions, it is now one of the largest temples in Daxi. Covering over 1,000 square meters, Furen Temple features a three-hall structure with all roofs designed with false eaves. The main hall's height matches that of the two-story rear hall, symbolizing the equality of the deities being worshipped. The temple yard, divided by Heping Old Street, once often saw children gathering to play tops and local residents engaging in casual conversations. Today, it serves both as a parking lot and a community event space, maintaining its warm spirit for over a century. If you wish to experience local temple activities, the "Sacred Pig Competition" on the 11th day of the second lunar month is an absolute must-see. To celebrate the birthday of Kaizhang Shengwang, ten major surnames take turns presenting sacred pigs, occurring once every ten years. Each family treats this event as a significant occasion. The sacred pig is painted by professional masters and presented at the square of Furen Temple, where devotees parade through the streets, accompanied by traditional music played on lutes and drums, along with folk opera performances, creating a lively scene. The century-old "Sacred Pig Competition" has evolved with time; although creatively made from noodle turtles, vermicelli, and oranges instead of real pigs, it remains an exciting cultural event.
