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 municipal historic site and was established in 1748, initiated by Tamsui's local official Tseng Yuying. In 1875, the administration of Tamsui and Hsinchu was separated, and the Taipei Prefecture was created; however, the prefectural office remained in Hsinchu, leading to the promotion of the City God to the status of Prefectural City God - Wei Ling Gong. The temple has a flourishing reputation, often referred to as "Hsinchu City God and Beigang Mazu." At that time, the scale of the temple was the largest in Taiwan, serving as the deity governing the rewards and punishments of both the underworld and the living, which is why the layout of the temple resembles an ancient official's office. The food stalls in the plaza of Hsinchu City God Temple have become one of Hsinchu's specialties. The temple has undergone several renovations, with the San-Chuan Hall and the three-tiered roof being its most distinctive features. The large iron abacus hanging from the beams is said to be used by the City God to calculate the sins of the world, which is why the couplet on either side reads, "There is no need to fuss over worldly matters; the divine heaven has its grand design." The stone lions and other carvings in front of Hsinchu City God Temple hold artistic value, and the dragon columns are the work of renowned northern Taiwan master artist Xin A-Jiu, showcasing exquisite and lively craftsmanship. The octagonal caisson above the main entrance, created by master carpenter Wang Yishun from Huian, Quanzhou, is a historically significant piece of art. During the Lantern Festival around the Lunar New Year, Hsinchu City God Temple, along with nearby Beimen Street and Changhe Temple, displays colorful lanterns, allowing the public to appreciate varied styles of lantern works, making it a well-known local event. The City God welcoming activities in July during the lunar calendar are also major events for the community, starting from the first day of July until the end of the Dongmen Market activity "Dongmen Pu" on the first day of August. The climax of the activities occurs on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, the Ghost Festival, when the City God himself is paraded to provide relief to wandering souls, with the procession extending several kilometers, igniting excitement throughout Hsinchu City. On the 29th day of the eleventh lunar month, the birthday of the City God sees an influx of devotees to Hsinchu City God Temple, creating a bustling and lively atmosphere.
