Chiayi City God Temple Introduction
The Chenghuang Temple, also known as Chenghuang Ye, is the spiritual center for the residents of Chiayi City, symbolizing the guardian deity of the local area. It has been closely connected to the people since ancient times and has a thriving incense business. Established in the 54th year of the Kangxi era (1715), it has been nearly 300 years. The current structure was rebuilt in the 11th year of the Shōwa era (1936) and completed in the 15th year of the Shōwa era (1940). The temple was initially built in the 54th year of the Kangxi era (1715) and underwent renovation in the 10th year of the Yongzheng era (1732). By the 29th year of the Qianlong era, the temple structure was dilapidated and at risk of collapse, prompting the newly-appointed local magistrate Zhang to oversee repairs. Today, the Chenghuang Temple is renowned for its exquisite architecture, primarily rebuilt by master craftsman Wang Jinmu from the Quanzhou Xidi faction. The temple showcases distinctive characteristics of wooden sculpture art, including a coffered ceiling in the worship hall, and the main hall and adjoining spaces all constructed using traditional mortise and tenon joints without a single nail or metal fastener, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship. The temple preserves over ten valuable cultural relics from the Qing Dynasty, including the only plaque in Taiwan granted by the Emperor, "Taiyang Xianyou," a plaque presented by Prince Tai Bao Wang Delu inscribed with "Dao Hong Hua Yu," a monument established by magistrate Zhang for the "Reconstruction of Chenghuang Temple," and various other plaques and monuments commemorating donations from notable figures. The reconstruction, led by master craftsman Wang Jinmu, reflects traditional architectural characteristics and is a typical street-style temple. The construction is ornate, with the San Chuan Hall being elegantly presented, and the intricate decorations in the worship hall showcase extraordinary craftsmanship. The main hall is solemn and dignified, exhibiting a beautiful sense of spatial order. Positioned at the waterwheel base in the worship hall, there are exquisite masterpieces of Datzhu ceramics on both sides, created by masters Chen Zhuanyou and Lin Tianmu, holding significant artistic value. The colorful paintings of the door gods were created by renowned master Chen Yufeng, while the deities, ridge decorations, paintings, stone sculptures, door gods, and wooden carvings within the temple are all finely crafted.
