Zongsheng Temple Introduction
During the Qing Dynasty's Qianlong and Jiaqing periods, the Zeng clan, originally from Guangdong, China, immigrated to Taiwan. After several generations of hard work and efforts, the family prospered. To honor their ancestors and uphold family pride, the descendants of the Zeng clan built the Zongsheng Shrine in 1929. The shrine enshrines Zeng Shen, a direct disciple of Confucius known for his filial piety, who has been bestowed the title of "Zongsheng Gong" by successive emperors. The Zongsheng Shrine is a building that integrates the traditional Hakka quadrangle layout with exquisite Baroque architectural style, and it is one of the largest and most ornately decorated ancestral halls in Taiwan. Together with the Tianshui Hall in Beipu, northern Taiwan, it stands as one of the most important ancestral halls in Taiwan. Covering an area of 1,100 ping, the Zongsheng Shrine features a quadrangular layout of two halls and two wings, utilizing decorative techniques such as pebble wash, clay sculpture, wood carving, painting, calligraphy, and Jiao-Tse pottery on various elements including the entrance hall, roof, beams, pillars, and gable walls. For example, the entrance gate located in the plaza, adorned with animal sculptures, appears grand and elegant. Other features include a crow-stepped gable roof, water-like horse backs, fire-like horse backs, and Jiao-Tse pottery birds standing on the roof. Notably, on the pillars in the main hall, there are "bamboo leaf characters" created with bamboo leaves, showcasing a rare form of calligraphic art. Entering the main hall, one finds the ancestral shrine in the center, with a sacrificial table designed according to ancient customs. A plaque inscribed with "Tianjing Diyì" hangs above, illustrating Zengzi's philosophy of life. The left and right wings retain the sacrificial space of the clan's ancestor, Zeng Yuzhen, along with six major rooms named Jiuling, Xishan, Nanshan, Duantang, Huangkang, and Shenpo. This ancient building fully showcases the Confucian teachings, values, and social organization of the Hakka people, making it a precious cultural heritage.
