Chiayi Cheng Huang Temple Introduction
The Chenghuang Temple, also known as the City God Temple, serves as the faith center for the citizens of Chiayi City. It symbolizes the guardian deity of the local community and has been closely connected to the people since ancient times, boasting a thriving incense offering culture. It was established in the 54th year of the Kangxi era (1715), nearly 300 years ago. The current structure was rebuilt in the 11th year of the Showa era and completed in the 15th year (1940). The Chenghuang Temple was originally built in the 54th year of the Kangxi era (1715) and was renovated during the 10th year of the Yongzheng era (1732). In the 29th year of the Qianlong era, due to the temple's dilapidated condition and the risk of collapse, the newly appointed official Zhang Suo received the mandate for its restoration. The current temple was reconstructed by Wang Jinmu, a master craftsman from the Quanzhou Xidi faction, featuring grand architecture and noble layout that uniquely showcases wood carving artistry. The octagonal caisson ceiling in the worship hall, as well as the bracket system supporting the main hall, are constructed purely with mortise and tenon joints, requiring no nails or iron, exemplifying extraordinary craftsmanship. The temple preserves over ten artifacts from the Qing dynasty, which are invaluable. These include the “Taiyang Xianyou” plaque, the only one of its kind granted by the emperor to a City God Temple in Taiwan, the “Dao Hong Hua Yu” plaque gifted by Prince Taibao Wang Delu, the “Reconstruction of the Chenghuang Temple” monument established by the county magistrate Zhang Suo, and the plaque for incense and lamp funding erected by magistrate Fan Xueheng, amongst others. In total, there are 11 precious items including a large abacus presented by Gong Daonan from Jinjiang, and other plaques from local officials and dignitaries. Reconstructed under the guidance of Wang Jinmu, the temple exemplifies traditional architectural characteristics typical of street-style temple layouts. The architecture is splendid, with the San Chuan Hall being exquisitely designed. The worship hall is adorned with intricate decorations, while the main hall is solemn and dignified, presenting an aesthetic sense of spatial order. Located in front of the worship hall is the water wheel, flanked by two sides featuring exquisite and vivid masterpieces of Jiaozhou pottery, created by the renowned masters Chen Zhuanyou and Lin Tianmu, which possess significant artistic value. The door gods are painted by the eminent craftsman Chen Yufeng, and the temple's statues, ridge decorations, paintings, stone carvings, door gods, and wooden carvings are all meticulously crafted.
