Wusheng Temple Introduction
Located in the Xinzhuang District of New Taipei City, the Zhuangwu Saint Temple is recognized as a cultural asset of New Taipei City. It is one of the three major temples in Xinzhuang, alongside Ciyou Temple and Guangfu Temple. Founded in the 25th year of the Qianlong reign (1760 AD) by Hu Zhuoyou, an imperial scholar from Tingzhou, the temple was established on land donated by him on Mi City Street in Xinzhuang. According to Lianheng's "General History of Taiwan," it is recorded that the Xinzhuang Saint Temple was advocated by Hu Zhuoyou in Hsingchih Fort Xinzhuang and is dedicated to the worship of Guan Yu. This indicates that the Xinzhuang Saint Temple was built earlier than the Hsinchu Guandi Temple, making it the oldest "Guandi Temple" in northern Taiwan, locally referred to as "Guandi Jun Temple." The main gate of the temple is normally not open, only being accessible during 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 of the sixth lunar month. Around the Lantern Festival each year, the temple hosts a "cannon tossing" event to symbolize the happiness of the people. One unique aspect of the architecture of the Saint Temple is that the main gate does not have door gods painted on it, as Lord Guan himself is a highly skilled warrior and does not require protection from door gods. However, the main gate is adorned with 108 door nails, originally intended to cover the heads of the nails on the door panels, but now largely serves decorative purposes. The number 108 is a multiple of nine, which is considered the most auspicious number, and this design follows the ancient practice of door panel construction.
