Liudui Zhongyi Temple Introduction
Zhongyi Shrine is a memorial dedicated to the martyrs who sacrificed themselves to protect their homeland and families among the Hakka ancestors of the Liu Dui community, serving as a spiritual bastion for them. The Liu Dui Volunteer Army, which was established in the 60th year of the Kangxi reign (1721 AD) to quell the Zhu Yigui incident, engaged in fierce resistance until Japan's takeover of Taiwan in 1895, creating a poignant history spanning 174 years. The couplet at the main gate reads: "Loyalty shines like the sun and moon, righteousness strengthens the mountains and rivers," while the couplet at the shrine states: "The immortal contributions of the heroes of the hundred Yue in saving the country and protecting the people, Liu Dui's loyalty and righteousness resonate through history." Their heroic spirit touches the heart and their loyal dedication will be remembered forever. This historical site also records glorious military achievements in Taiwan's history, representing the "loyalty and bravery" spirit of the Hakka people and serving as a living textbook of local sentiment. Visitors to Liu Dui should not forget to come and offer incense at the shrine, cherishing the spirit of loyalty and patriotism while praying for peace and health. During the Japanese colonial period, the Japanese aimed to win over the Liu Dui residents to pledge allegiance to the Emperor and initially did not prohibit their ancestral worship activities, even sending high-ranking officials to attend the ceremonies. However, they could not suppress the rising anti-Japanese sentiments among the Liu Dui people. After their efforts to win loyalty failed, the Japanese military resorted to oppressive measures, closing the Zhongyi Pavilion and banning residents from worshiping their ancestors, leaving the shrine without maintenance. Under the oppressive rule, the residents of Liu Dui endured humiliation and hardship, hoping for the preservation of the Zhongyi Pavilion. Fortunately, after the restoration of Taiwan, through the efforts of local figures in Liu Dui, the shrine was finally rebuilt in 1958 (the 47th year of the Republic of China) and renamed "Zhongyi Shrine." The shrine not only honors the Hakka volunteers who quelled the disturbances at the end of the Kangxi era but also commemorates all those who perished during civil unrest and foreign invasions in the 10th year of the Yongzheng reign, the 51st year of the Qianlong reign, the 2nd year of the Daoguang reign, and the 21st year of the Guangxu reign. For the Hakka residents of Liu Dui, Zhongyi Shrine is not just a place of worship; it is also a sacred hall for swearing oaths before expeditions, embodying the spirit of Liu Dui Hakka community. Zhongyi Shrine holds two major ceremonies every year, in spring and autumn, while also hosting the Liu Dui Sports Meeting, hoping to perpetuate the spirit of "protecting the homeland and the people, loyalty and righteousness in unison."
