Lower Taizhan Rock Introduction
Xia Taishan Rock, also known as Xia Miao and Xianying Ancestor Taishan Rock, is located in the Taishan District. There are two Taishan Rocks in this area; the one situated higher in the southwest is called Ding Taishan, while the one in the lower northeast is called Xia Taishan. Both temples worship the same main deity, Xianying Ancestor. Ding Taishan Rock was built during the reign of Qianlong in the Qing Dynasty, approximately 250 years ago, by Li Fugqi's grandfather Xu Yan and grand-uncle Xu Yuan, who were originally from Anxi, Quanzhou, Fujian. They were invited to Taiwan for worship. Due to the flourishing of incense offerings and a growing number of believers, the local worshippers in the Xia Taishan area recognized it as inconvenient to travel to Ding Taishan and planned to establish a separate shrine. This led to the founding of Xia Taishan Rock 128 years ago, in the first year of the Guangxu era (1875), initiated by Huang Yonglai and Cai Wuzhu, with support and donations from believers. Xia Taishan Rock underwent expansion in the 10th year of the Taisho era (1921), was renovated in the 56th year of the Republic of China, and completed in the 65th year. Further renovations took place in the 71st year. The monument recording the repairs during the Taisho era is embedded in the wall of the bell and drum tower, detailing the names, amounts of donations, materials used, and finances. The front left and right walls of the main hall have inscriptions from the 65th year documenting the renovations. In front of the temple is the Taishan Bridge stone monument, and across the street stands a theater. The couplet on the theater reads: "As if true, the performance evokes joys and sorrows; ancient and modern distinguish between good and evil, loyalty and treachery."
