Hsinchu City Cheng Huang 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 and was established in 1748, initiated by the Tamsui magistrate Tseng Yeh-ying. In 1875, during the separation of Tamsui and Hsinchu, the Taipei prefecture was established, but the prefectural seat remained in Hsinchu, thus the City God was promoted to the prefectural City God - Weiling Gong, enjoying great popularity, with the saying "Hsinchu City God, Beigang Mazu." At the time, this temple was the largest of its kind in Taiwan, dedicated to the deity who oversees the rewards and punishments of the underworld and the mortal realm. Therefore, the layout of the temple resembles that of an ancient official's office. The market stalls in front of Hsinchu City God Temple have become one of Hsinchu's specialties. Hsinchu City God Temple has undergone multiple 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 have been used by the City God to calculate the sins of mankind, complemented by couplets on either side that read, "Why bother with worldly matters, Heaven has its own way of rectifying." The stone lions and other sculptures in front of Hsinchu City God Temple also possess artistic value, while the dragon columns are the work of renowned artist Xin A-jiao from northern Taiwan, known for their intricate and vivid craftsmanship. The octagonal coffered ceiling above the main entrance is a significant work by master carpenter Wang Yishun from Hui'an, Quanzhou. Around the Lantern Festival every year, flower lantern displays can be seen along with the neighboring Beimen Street and Changhe Temple, featuring vibrant colors and various styles of lantern artwork, making it a renowned event in Hsinchu. The welcoming ceremonies for the City God during the seventh month of the lunar calendar are grand occasions in the area, starting from the first day of the seventh month until the end of the Dongmen Market event on the first day of the eighth month. The climax of the festivities occurs on the 15th day of the seventh month, the Ghost Festival, when the City God himself goes on a procession to provide relief to wandering souls. The procession stretches for several kilometers, stirring the excitement throughout Hsinchu City. On the 29th day of the 11th lunar month, the City God’s birthday, Hsinchu City God Temple is flooded with devotees, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere.
