Hou-Liao Wei-Ling Temple, Chi Mei Wang Liang Stone Guardian Introduction
The Hou Liao Wei Ling Temple is dedicated to Emperor Baosheng, also known as Dadaogong or Wu Zhenjun. He was born in Baiqiao Village, Jishanli, Ming Sheng Township, Tong'an District, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province, which is now part of Longhai City, Zhangzhou. As a child, he was exceptionally intelligent and possessed a profound understanding of Taoism. As he grew, he became well-versed in astronomy, geography, and the classics, especially excelling in medical knowledge, which gradually spread among the people. The history of the Hou Liao Wei Ling Temple in Baisha Township dates back over 400 years, marking the origin of the worship of Emperor Baosheng across the Penghu islands. The temple is renowned for the divine presence of Emperor Baosheng, with devotion spreading to the villages of Nanbailiao and Nanbailiao in Huxi Township, where the faith remains strong and the incense burns steadily, making it a key figure in the local community. Constructed in the 30th year of the Wanli era during the Ming dynasty (1602 AD), the Hou Liao Wei Ling Temple has undergone numerous renovations and restorations over the years. After the Republic of China was established, local gentry and village elders proposed a reconstruction, which took place for the second time in the 21st year of the Republic (1932 AD). After 63 years, the temple was rebuilt again following a fire in the 84th year of the Republic (1995 AD), with the reconstruction completed in the 85th year (1996 AD). The temple now stands grandly and majestically, with a corner of the courtyard displaying commemorative stones from previous renovations. Next to the Hou Liao Wei Ling Temple is the largest stone "Shigandang" (a type of protective stone) in Taiwan, standing nearly 200 centimeters tall, built in the 22nd year of the Daoguang era of the Qing dynasty (1842 AD). The reason for its establishment stems from disturbances caused by mountain spirits and ghosts in the area known as "Fengkengkou" between Hou Liao and Tongliang in the autumn and winter of the 21st year of Daoguang (1841 AD). Villagers, troubled by these disturbances, prayed to Emperor Baosheng for guidance. Following his instructions, they erected the "Chimei Wangliang" (a stone to ward off evil spirits) to quell the disturbances, which has proven effective since then. Initially, the stele was placed at the spot of the disturbances before being moved to the left side of the Wei Ling Temple. It has been repaired multiple times in conjunction with temple renovations, with significant work undertaken in 2008-2009 to reinforce its base, lay stone slabs, and inscribe auspicious designs, in addition to installing a pair of qilin and protective railings for aesthetic enhancement. The "Chimei Wangliang" stele is regarded as a century-old talisman and is the largest of its kind in Taiwan. "Shigandang" is a unique symbolic belief developed by residents in island regions. 【Recommended Duration of Stay】0.5 hours
The pavilion next to the Houliao Wei Ling Temple features old temple-style slender columns.
