Liudui Chongyi Shrine Introduction
Zhongyi Shrine is a memorial hall dedicated to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the protection of their homeland and families among the Hakka ancestors of Liudui. It serves as a spiritual bastion for the Hakka people of Liudui. The Liudui Volunteer Army was formed in the 60th year of the Kangxi era (1721) to quell the Zhu Yigui incident and continued its fierce resistance until 1895 when Japan took over Taiwan, participating in a 174-year struggle that created a tragic yet heroic history. The couplet at the main entrance reads: "Loyalty shines like the sun and moon, righteousness strengthens the mountains and rivers," and the couplet at the shrine states: "The accomplishments of the heroes from the hundred Yue in saving the nation are immortal; the loyalty and righteousness of Liudui are renowned throughout history." This spirit of valor resonates deeply and stands as a timeless epitome of loyalty and righteousness. Throughout Taiwan’s history, it has recorded brilliant victories and represents the "loyalty and bravery" spirit of the Hakka people, serving as a living textbook of local sentiment. Visitors coming to Liudui should not forget to pay homage at the shrine, expressing gratitude for loyalty and patriotism, and praying for peace and health. During the Japanese occupation, in order to win over the residents of Liudui, the Japanese initially did not prohibit their ancestral worship activities and even sent senior officials to attend the ceremonies. However, this did not suppress the growing anti-Japanese sentiment among the people, and after failed attempts to gain their loyalty, the Japanese military adopted repressive measures by closing the Zhongyi Pavilion and ordering residents to cease their ancestral worship, leading to a lack of maintenance for the shrine. Under the oppressive rule of the Japanese, the people of Liudui endured humiliation and hardship for a long time, hoping only to preserve the Zhongyi Pavilion. Fortunately, after Taiwan's restoration, through the efforts of local figures, the Zhongyi Pavilion was finally rebuilt in 1958 and renamed "Zhongyi Shrine." Aside from honoring the Hakka righteous who quelled rebellions during the end of the Kangxi era, the shrine also houses the spirits of martyrs from civil uprisings in the 10th year of the Yongzheng era, the 51st year of the Qianlong era, the 2nd year of the Daoguang era, and the 21st year of the Guangxu era, all commemorated together. For the Hakka residents of Liudui, Zhongyi Shrine is more than just a place for offerings; it is a sacred place for oath-taking before expeditions and has become a spiritual bastion for the Hakka community of Liudui. Every year, Zhongyi Shrine hosts major celebrations in spring and autumn, while also organizing the Liudui Sports Festival, hoping to perpetuate the spirit of "protecting the homeland and serving the people with both loyalty and righteousness" for generations to come.
