Wusheng Temple Introduction
Located in the Xinzhuang District of New Taipei City, the Xinzhuang Wusheng Temple is recognized as a cultural heritage site in New Taipei City. It is regarded as one of the three major temples in Xinzhuang, along with the Ciyou Temple and the Guangfu Temple. The temple was founded in the 25th year of the Qianlong reign (1760 AD) by the Gongsheng Hu Zhuoyou, who donated the land for the temple at Rice Market Street in Xinzhuang. According to Lianheng's (1878-1936) "General History of Taiwan": "The Xinzhuang Wusheng Temple was founded in the 25th year of the Qianlong reign (1760 AD) by Gongsheng Hu Zhuoyou in Xinzhuang of Xingzhi Fort, dedicated to Guan Yu, the Marquis of Shouting." This indicates that the Xinzhuang Wusheng Temple was established earlier than the Hsinchu Guandi Temple, making it the earliest "Guandi Temple" in Northern Taiwan, locally referred to as "Guandi Jun Temple." The main gate of the Wusheng Temple is usually closed and only opens on specific dates: from the first to the third day of the lunar New Year, from the eleventh to the fifteenth day of the lunar New Year, and from the twentieth to the twenty-fourth day of the sixth month. During the Lantern Festival, the temple hosts a "firecracker throwing" event to promote the well-being of the community. The architectural feature that distinguish the Wusheng Temple from other temples is that it does not have door gods painted on its entrance, as Guan Sheng Di Jun himself is a highly skilled warrior, thus no need for door gods for protection. However, the main gate is adorned with 108 door nails, which historically were used to cover the nail heads on the door panels but now serve a decorative purpose. The number 108 is a multiple of nine, with nine being considered the most auspicious number, and this design follows the traditional practice of door panel construction.
