Chenghuang Temple, Taiwan Introduction
The Chenghuang Temple in Taiwan was originally an official temple, and it has now been established as a foundation, making it one of the most well-structured public temples in Taiwan. In 1875, the Qing Dynasty upgraded Tamsui from a district to Taipei Prefecture, subsequently led by Chen Xingju as the governor of Taipei. In 1881, the Taipei Chenghuang Temple was built at the intersection of Fuzhi Street and Beimen Street (between Yanping South Road and Hankou Street in Taipei City), behind the Taipei Prefectural Office. During the Japanese occupation, the temple was demolished, and after the restoration of Taiwan, it was relocated to its current site, which has convenient transportation and prosperous commerce, making it a center of faith for local residents. Because of the widespread reputation of the City God, devotees come from all over the world. This temple is the largest in Taipei, dedicated to the main deity, the City God, and also honors other figures including Sakyamuni Buddha, Medicine Buddha, Amitabha Buddha, Guanyin, and Kṣitigarbha, as well as Guan Yu, the Emperor of Literature, the Emperor of Wealth, Master Ji Gong, the City God’s wife, and the Earth God, among others. The internal couplets, plaques, papel picado, paintings, and carvings all aim for "seeking good fortune and avoiding misfortune, and educating people's hearts," allowing worshippers who visit to gain spiritual enlightenment.
