Baisha Keng Wende Temple Introduction
Built during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, it was originally named "Bao'an Temple." During the Daoguang period, due to the local official Zeng Weizhen, who served as a Hanlin scholar, the temple name was changed to "Wendegong," signifying the protection of the territory and the peace of the people, as well as promoting cultural and moral teachings. The emperor granted Zeng's hometown's Earth God an official title equal to that of Hanlin, and presented a special black hat, making it the only Earth God in Taiwan to receive an imperial title. Furthermore, Wendegong follows the traditional Lantern Festival activities, which have persisted for over a century, and was registered as "Intangible Cultural Heritage" in 2008. After undergoing four relocations, the temple has grown larger with increasing devotion. There are ceremonial gates and righteous paths on both sides, and subsequently, the "Wuying Tower" was added to honor the divine generals, along with the display of cultural relics, enhancing its historical significance.
Exterior
