Xincheng Xinfeng Temple Introduction
Established during the Daoguang era, the Xinfeng Palace is dedicated to the worship of the Three Mountains King and has traditionally served as a faith center for the communities of Xincheng, Baodou, and Shenjing in Baoshan Township. The most festive time at Xinfeng Palace occurs on the birthday of the Three Mountains King, which falls on the 25th day of the 2nd, 5th, and 8th months of the lunar calendar. Additionally, on January 14th and 15th, a "Capon Contest" is held, where residents bring their home-raised chickens to participate in a competition to see whose chicken is the largest, making it a significant local event. In earlier years, due to a lack of medical facilities and rampant epidemics, a blessing ceremony is held every year on the 14th and 15th days of the lunar new year centered around Xinfeng Palace to pray for a safe new year, which includes the "Da Zhong Wu" event. Today, Da Zhong Wu signifies "time and space, good new winter." During the noon procession, villagers spontaneously provide delicious food for the resting participants. The Da Zhong Wu event fosters community spirit and promotes the Hakka ideals of harmony, sharing, appreciation of blessings, and dedication, making it an important activity for the transmission of Hakka culture.
