Yuli Xietian Temple Introduction
Yuli Xietan Temple is the first temple established in Hualien County. Built in the first year of the Guangxu era (1875), it has a history of over 130 years. After sustaining significant damage from an earthquake in the 40th year of the Republic of China, it was reconstructed to its current appearance. During the Qing Dynasty, General Wu Guangliang of the Flying Tiger Army led his troops through the Batongguan Ancient Road and encountered a plague upon arriving at Pushi Pavilion (an ancient place name of Yuli). To pacify the troops, he specifically established Xietan Temple and personally inscribed the plaque "Protection of the Rear Mountain," which has now become a treasured relic of the temple. Yuli Xietan Temple has also become the center of faith for the townsfolk. The temple primarily worships Guansheng Dijun, the deity that Wu Guangliang prayed to for blessings. The two most important annual celebrations are the birthday of Guansheng Dijun on the 24th of June and the Zhongyuan Festival on the 15th of July. At Xietan Temple, you can experience a traditional worship center, which is also the core of daily life in Yuli Township. Due to later development in the eastern region, the history of Chinese folk beliefs is relatively short, making the opportunity to see a century-old temple quite rare. If given the chance, one must visit to experience the unique charm of temples in the eastern region.
