Shih-tan Wang Gong Temple Introduction
The full name of the Shibawangong Temple is Qianhua Shibawangong Shrine, with Qianhua referring to the location in Qianhua Village, Shimen District, where locals also call it Ali Pangwa. The Shibawangong Temple has long been a place of prosperous devotion. According to legend, during the Tongzhi period of the Qing Dynasty, a sailing ship carrying 17 Fuzhou merchants and a dog capsized while on its way to Mount Putuo in Zhejiang. The ship drifted to Qianhua Village in Shimen, and everyone on board drowned, except for the dog, which was fortuitously saved by a resident with the surname Lian. The dog, upon discovering that its owner had perished, followed suit in dying, and the residents buried them together at the foot of the mountain. Thereafter, during festivals, local residents would come to light incense and pay their respects. Over time, people began to refer to the deity as Shibawangong. It is said that afterward, local fishermen encountered help from Shibawangong during times of trouble, which led the community to collectively fund the building of a small temple for worship. As the temple was established, more miracles were reported, and the devotees gradually expanded throughout the entire northern coast, ultimately making it quite well-known in northern Taiwan as a shrine dedicated to the deity. Shibawangong is uniquely associated with both humans and dogs, as dogs are typically viewed as loyal animals in folk belief. As such, many believe that if they sincerely worship the dog, they can win its loyalty. Even to this day, the legend of Shibawangong continues to make this small temple beside the mountain a popular attraction for travelers along the northern coast. People come drawn by the legend, seeking miracles and protection, while others are attracted by the delicious aroma of zongzi, a local specialty. It is said that the sailors originally offered zongzi in prayers for safe passage while at sea, as they are easy to carry. The combination of peanuts, pickled radish, shiitake mushrooms, and braised pork may seem simple but creates an unexpectedly delightful taste, leading visitors to leave with bags in hand. The delectable zongzi have even become a signature dish in the Shimen area, readily available from shops throughout Shimen District. Source: Northern Coast and Guanyin Mountain National Scenic Area.
