Hsinchu City God Temple Introduction
Hsinchu City God Temple is located on Zhongshan Road in the North District of Hsinchu City. It is designated as a historical site, founded in 1748, initiated by the Tamsui Magistrate Tseng Yeying. In 1875, the administrative division changed, establishing the Taipei Prefecture, but the prefectural administrative center remained in Hsinchu, leading to the elevation of the City God to the status of Prefectural City God - Weiling Gong. The temple is well-known for its vigorous worship and is often referred to as "Hsinchu City God, Beigang Mazu." At that time, it was the largest temple of its kind in Taiwan, dedicated to managing the rewards and punishments for the souls in both the underworld and the human realm, which is why its layout resembles an ancient government office. The market stalls near the Hsinchu City God Temple have become a distinctive feature of Hsinchu. The temple has undergone multiple renovations, with the San-chuan Hall and tiered roof being its most notable features. The large iron abacus hanging from the beams is said to be used by the City God to calculate the sins of the human world, which is reflected in the couplet on either side stating, "Why should one dwell on worldly matters? The divine will have its own means to settle them." The stone lions and other sculptures in front of the Hsinchu City God Temple possess artistic value, with the dragon column being the work of renowned Northern Taiwan master Xin A-Jiu, characterized by meticulous and lively craftsmanship. Overhead, the octagonal caisson is a significant historical piece created by master carpenter Wang Yishun from Quanzhou Hui'an. Every year around the Lantern Festival, the Hsinchu City God Temple, along with nearby Beimen Street and Changhe Temple, hosts colorful lantern displays, allowing the public to appreciate various styles of lantern art, making it a well-known local event. The City God welcoming activities during the seventh month of the lunar calendar are also a grand occasion, starting from the first day of the month and concluding with the Dongmen Market's "Dongmen Pu" on the first day of the eighth month. The climax occurs on the fifteenth day of the Ghost Festival when the City God himself leads a procession to aid wandering souls. This procession can span several kilometers, creating a festive atmosphere throughout Hsinchu City. On the 29th day of the eleventh lunar month, the City God’s birthday draws vast crowds of devotees to the Hsinchu City God Temple, creating a lively and bustling scene.
