Wusheng Temple Introduction
Located in the Xinzhuang District of New Taipei City, the Xinzhuang Wusheng Temple is classified as a cultural asset of New Taipei City. Along with Ciyou Temple and Guangfu Temple, it is one of the three major temples in Xinzhuang. Founded in the 25th year of the Qianlong era (1760 AD) by the scholar Hu Zhuoyou from Tingzhou, the temple was established on Meishi Street in Xinzhuang. According to Lian Heng's "Taiwan General History," it is recorded that the Xinzhuang Wusheng Temple was established in the 25th year of the Qianlong era (1760 AD) by the scholar Hu Zhuoyou in Xinzhuang, and is dedicated to Guan Yu, the Duke of Shouting. This indicates that the Xinzhuang Wusheng Temple was built even earlier than the Hsinchu Guandi Temple, making it the earliest "Guandi Temple" in northern Taiwan, and is locally referred to as "Guandi Temple." The main entrance of the temple is usually closed and only opens during certain periods: from the 1st to the 3rd day of the Lunar New Year, from the 11th to the 15th day of the Lunar New Year, and from the 20th to the 24th day of the 6th month. Around the Lantern Festival each year, the temple holds a "firecracker throwing" event in front of the temple to showcase the happiness and prosperity of the people. One notable architectural difference of the Wusheng Temple compared to other temples is that the main entrance does not feature door gods, as Guan Sheng Emperor himself is a highly skilled warrior and does not require protection. However, the main door is adorned with 108 door nails, which were originally intended to cover the heads of the nails on the door planks, but are now mainly used as decoration. The number 108 is a multiple of nine, which is considered the most auspicious number, and this design follows the ancient practice of door construction.
