Liudui Zhongyi Shrine Introduction
Zhongyi Temple is a memorial shrine dedicated to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives to protect their hometown and families, representing the spiritual fortress of the Liudui Hakka people. The Liudui Volunteer Army was formed during the sixth year of the Kangxi Era (1721 AD) to quell the Zhu Yigui incident and fought fiercely against the Japanese occupation of Taiwan in 1895, marking 174 years of volunteer military organization with a heroic history filled with poignant tales. The couplet at the main entrance reads: "Loyalty shines like the sun and moon; righteousness strengthens the mountains and rivers," while the couplet at the shrine states: "The achievements of the heroic figures in Guangdong in saving the nation and protecting the people are immortal; the loyalty and righteousness of Liudui leave a lasting legacy in history." Their spirited dedication touches the heart, and their noble loyalty will remain eternal. Taiwan's history records their glorious military achievements, representing the "loyalty and bravery" spirit of the Hakka people, and serves as a living lesson in local pride. Visitors to Liudui should not forget to pay respects at the shrine, honoring the patriotic sentiments and praying for peace and health. During the Japanese colonial period, the Japanese sought to win over the Liudui residents to pledge loyalty to the Emperor, initially allowing their ancestral worship activities and even assigning high-ranking officials to attend. However, they could not suppress the growing anti-Japanese sentiment among the people. After these efforts failed, the Japanese military resorted to oppressive measures, closing the Zhongyi Pavilion and forbidding residents from worshipping their ancestors, leading to its maintenance issues. Despite the long-term persecution, the Liudui residents endured humiliation, hoping the Zhongyi Pavilion could be preserved. Fortunately, after Taiwan's restoration, thanks to the efforts of local figures, the Zhongyi Pavilion was finally rebuilt in 1958 and renamed "Zhongyi Temple." In addition to honoring the Hakka righteous men who quelled banditry in the late Kangxi era, the temple also memorializes martyrs from events such as the popular uprisings in the tenth year of the Yongzheng era, the fifty-first year of the Qianlong era, the second year of the Daoguang era, and the twenty-first year of the Guangxu era, all of whom perished defending against foreign insults. For the residents of Liudui, Zhongyi Temple is not just a place of worship, but also a sacred hall for military oaths before heading into battle, crystallizing the spirit of the Hakka in Liudui. Every year, Zhongyi Temple holds major ceremonies during spring and autumn and concurrently organizes the Liudui Sports Conference, hoping to ensure the spirit of "protecting the hometown and safeguarding the people, both loyalty and righteousness" continues permanently.
