Xia Taishan Rock Introduction
Xia Taishan Temple, also known as Xia Miao or the Xianying Patriarch Taishan Temple, is located in the Taishan District. There are two Taishan Temples in this area: the one situated in the southwest, known as Ding Taishan, and the other in the northeast, referred to as Xia Taishan. Both temples honor the same main deity, Xianying Patriarch. Ding Taishan Temple was built around 250 years ago during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty at Qizi Foot, established by the ancestors Xu Yan and Xu Yuan from Anxi, Quanzhou, Fujian, who were brought to Taiwan to be worshiped. Due to its growing popularity and increasing number of devotees, the local worshippers found it inconvenient to travel to Ding Taishan, which led to a plan for a separate temple. This resulted in the establishment of Xia Taishan Temple 128 years ago, in the first year of the Guangxu period (1875), initiated by board members Huang Yonglai and Cai Wuzhu, along with donations from various believers. Xia Taishan Temple underwent expansion in the 10th year of the Taisho era (1921), followed by renovations in the 56th year of the Republic of China, with further updates completed in the 65th year. In the 71st year, additional work was done to the round pillars of the main hall. A memorial stone regarding the renovations during the Taisho era is embedded in the bell and drum tower wall, detailing the names and amounts donated as well as the materials used and expenditures. On either side of the front hall, there are memorial plaques from the renovations in the 65th year of the Republic of China. In front of the temple courtyard is the Taishan Bridge memorial, and across the street, there is a stage for performances. The couplet on the stage reads: "If false is true, it plays the joys and sorrows of separation and reunion; whether ancient or modern, it distinguishes between good and evil, loyalty and treachery."
