Jiantan Old Temple Introduction
Jiantan has a legendary tale. It is said that Zheng Chenggong, while leading his troops past this pond, encountered water monsters like dragons causing chaos and harming many people. Zheng Chenggong threw his treasured sword into the pond to subdue the monsters, and since then the waters have been calm. The pond was named "Jiantan" after Zheng Chenggong's act of throwing the sword to quell the evil. As for the Jiantan Temple, historical records indicate that "Guanyin Temple is located at Bajilan Jiantan." According to the Tamsui Hall records, "Jiantan Temple was built in the 38th year of the Qianlong reign by Wu Tinggao and others." The temple has an inscribed stone tablet that recounts the story of a monk named Master Ronghua, who, while passing through this area, encountered a snake blocking his path. After divining the auspiciousness of the situation, he determined it was very favorable and decided to establish a temple here. Later, a figure in white appeared in a dream, instructing that eight boats would pass from Shanghai to Keelung, which could raise funds for the temple. The prediction proved true, leading to the establishment of Jiantan Temple. Therefore, it is believed to have a history of over 350 years; however, during the later period of Japanese rule, it was forced to relocate to its current site in Dazhi. In front of the temple, there is an archway with a greenish-blue tiled roof bearing the inscription "Jiantan Ancient Temple." The narrow pathway inside leads to the original site of Jiantan Ancient Temple. Within this landscaped area, remnants of the old temple's columns and stone tablets can still be found, with many traces left on the columns representing a piece of history, emphasizing its rich historical significance.
