Changhua Kaihua Temple - Guanyin Pavilion Introduction
Main Deity: Guanyin Bodhisattva Historical Background: Kaihua Temple is a designated historic site. Originally named Guanyin Pavilion, it was established in the second year of the Yongzheng reign (1724) by the first magistrate of Changhua County, Tan Jingzheng. Changhua County was founded in the first year of Yongzheng, and the county office building was completed in the sixth year of Yongzheng. Prior to this, the county office operated in the county seat of Zhu Luo, now Chiayi County. Once the county office building was completed, administrative duties returned to Changhua County. Therefore, Kaihua Temple is noted as "established before the city and official residence, and serves as a place for political, educational, and cultural purposes from the beginning, being one of the earliest temples and altars."
Rebuilt in the 20th year of the Daoguang reign (1840). It was destroyed again in the 10th year of the Xianfeng reign by a fire and subsequently faced resistance against the Qing dynasty led by Dai Chaochun. It was rebuilt during the Tongzhi period. During the Japanese occupation, the Shanchuan Gate was demolished due to road widening, and a gate tower was constructed on the north side of Menglu, inscribed with the name of Kaihua Temple. The main hall of this temple enshrines Guanyin, flanked by the Eighteen Arhats, while the rear hall enshrines the Goddess of Childbirth and Zhu Gong and Zhu Po (gods of smallpox treatment). The left chamber is dedicated to the long-life tablet of the benefactors.
