Biyun Temple (Zhongshan Park) Introduction
Bilian Temple is located near the boundary of Fengping Village, south of Fengli Village (the location of the Toyama Immigrant Village during the Japanese colonial period). It was also the site of the Morimoto settlement during that era. To the south of the temple, there is a grove of sweet osmanthus bamboo; the temple's entrance faces north, adorned with intricately carved dragon pillars. Two stone guardian dogs sit protectively at the temple, indicating that it was originally a Japanese shrine. Additionally, there is a pair of stone lions placed later in the post-war period. These two pairs of guardian beasts from different cultures coexist peacefully, reflecting the blended nature of Taiwanese folk culture. Outside the steps of the temple, there is a forest interspersed with nightshade and banyan trees. To the northwest of the forest lies Fengnian Terrace, where there used to stand a century-old giant pine tree that welcomed the sky. Beneath the pine was the Washing Eyes Terrace, provided for worshippers to wash their faces and hands. Unfortunately, due to pests and disease, the old pine has died. Near the area, there is a stone monument commemorating the 30th anniversary of the village's founding, inscribed with "June of Showa 17, 30th Anniversary of the Village's Opening, written by Governor-General Hasegawa Kiyoshi." Continuing along the path, pairs of Japanese stone lanterns (Mikoshi-dou) stand on either side, their openings shaped like the sun, moon, and squares. Originally, there were dozens of lanterns extending from the temple entrance to the lotus pond at the bridgehead. However, some were destroyed for constructing Fengnian Terrace, leaving only the lantern shades which were repurposed and turned upside down to serve as tables beneath the nightshade trees for playing chess and enjoying tea. Fengnian Terrace was originally built directly in front of the temple's entrance, at the location of the pond, but was later moved to the northwest corner due to its obstruction of the temple view, with the original site converted into a pond. After renovations in the 1990s, Bilian Temple was restored to its ancient style, and the lanterns that were turned into tables were re-erected, resulting in the shorter stone lanterns seen today.
