Chiayi City Chenghuang Temple Introduction
The City God Temple of Chiayi, also known as Cheng Huang Ye, is considered a center of faith for the people of Chiayi City, symbolizing the guardian deity of the locality. The temple has been deeply connected with the community since ancient times and has a thriving incense offering. It was established in the 54th year of the Kangxi era (1715), making it nearly 300 years old. The current structure was rebuilt in the 11th year of the Showa era, completed in the 15th year of Showa (1940). The City God Temple was originally established in Kangxi's 54th year (1715) and was renovated in the 10th year of the Yongzheng era (1732). In the 29th year of the Qianlong era, due to the temple's dilapidated condition that posed a risk of collapse, the newly appointed magistrate Zhang Shuo commissioned renovations. The temple we see today was reconstructed by master carpenter Wang Jinmu from the Quanzhou Xidi faction. The architecture is grand and luxurious, showcasing a distinguished layout and distinctive wood carving artistry. The octagonal caisson of the worship hall, the bracket sets of the main hall, and the adjoining spaces are all constructed using wooden joints without nails or iron, reflecting exquisite craftsmanship. The temple houses over ten invaluable artifacts from the Qing dynasty, including the only plaque granted by the emperor in all of Taiwan's City God Temples, reading "Tai Yang Xian You," presented by Prince Taibao Wang De Lu, and the "Dao Hong Hua Yu" plaque, among others. Notable contributions include a large abacus donated by Gong Dao-nan of Jinjiang and various commemorative plaques established by previous magistrates and officials, totaling 11 pieces of significant value. Designed by master carpenter Wang Jinmu of the Quanzhou Xidi faction, the temple features traditional architectural characteristics typical of a street house-style layout. The building is luxurious, with an exquisitely elaborate worship hall, a solemn and majestic main hall, and an aesthetic sense of spatial order. In front of the worship hall, there are intricately detailed ceramics crafted by masters Chen Zhuan-you and Lin Tian-mu, displaying exceptional artistic value. The colorful paintings of the door gods were created by the renowned artist Chen Yu-feng. The temple is adorned with beautifully crafted statues, ridge decorations, paintings, stone carvings, and wood sculptures.
