Chao-Tiang Temple in Chiayi Introduction
The Cheng Huang Temple, also known as the Lord of the City, is the center of faith for the citizens of Chiayi City and symbolizes the guardian deity of the locale. The temple has been closely connected with the people since ancient times, boasting a thriving incense offering tradition. It was established in the 54th year of the Kangxi reign (1715), making it nearly 300 years old. The current structure was rebuilt in the 11th year of the Showa era and completed in the 15th year (1940). Originally founded in the 54th year of the Kangxi reign (1715), the temple underwent renovations in the 10th year of the Yongzheng reign (1732). By the 29th year of the Qianlong reign, the temple faced structural issues requiring significant repairs led by the new local magistrate Zhang. The current Cheng Huang Temple was rebuilt by master craftsman Wang Jinmu from the Quanzhou Xidi faction, featuring magnificent architecture and an elegant layout that showcases the distinctiveness of wood carving art. The octagonal coffered ceiling of the worship hall, as well as the bracket sets in the main hall and side areas, were crafted entirely without nails or iron, demonstrating extraordinary craftsmanship. The temple preserves more than ten priceless artifacts from the Qing Dynasty, including the only plaque awarded by the emperor to a Cheng Huang Temple in Taiwan, reading "Tai Yang Xian You," the plaque "Dao Hong Hua Yu" offered by Prince Taibao Wang De Lu, a monument for the reconstruction of the Cheng Huang Temple established by magistrate Zhang, and other significant contributions from local officials and academics. The temple’s reconstruction, led by master craftsman Wang Jinmu from the Quanzhou Xidi faction, showcases traditional architectural features typical of street-style temple configurations. The building is ornate, with an exquisitely spacious San Chuan Hall, and the worship hall's decorations are astonishingly crafted. The main hall is solemn and dignified, presenting a beautiful sense of spatial order. Inside the worship hall, there is a waterwheel block; on either side, there are delicate and expressive masterpieces of caochi pottery created by masters Chen Zhuanyou and Lin Tianmu, which hold extraordinary artistic value. The door deity paintings are crafted by renowned master Chen Yufeng, and the interior statues, ridge decorations, paintings, stone carvings, door deities, and wood carvings are all beautifully executed.
