Yuli Xietian Temple Introduction
Yuli Xietian Temple is the first opened temple in Hualien County. Built in the first year of the Guangxu era of the Qing Dynasty (1875), it has a history of over 130 years. It was significantly damaged by an earthquake in the 40th year of the Republic of China, and was rebuilt into its current form. General Wu Guangliang of the Qing army led his troops through the Batongguan Ancient Trail and encountered an epidemic at Pushi Pavilion (an ancient place name in Yuli). To appease the soldiers, he specially built Xietian Temple and personally wrote the plaque "Protection of the Back Mountain," which has now become a treasured artifact of the temple. Yuli Xietian Temple has become the center of faith for the townspeople. The temple mainly worships Guandi, the deity Wu Guangliang prayed to, and two of the most important annual celebrations are the Guandi’s Birthday on June 24 and the Zhongyuan Festival on July 15. At Xietian Temple, one can see a traditional sacrificial center that is also the core of daily life in Yuli Township. As eastern Taiwan is less developed, the history of Han religious centers is not long, making it a rare opportunity to experience a century-old temple. If given the chance, one must visit to feel the unique charm of eastern temples.
