Diyi Hall Introduction
Diyi Temple, also known as Diyi Tang or the Marshal Temple, was established in 1873 by the Lin family of Banqiao after the violent conflicts between the Quanzhang groups during the Xianfeng era. It serves to honor the martial masters and brave soldiers who died in battle. The main deity worshipped is Marshal Xu, whose real name is Xu Cai, a martial arts master hired by the Lin family. In the ninth year of the Xianfeng era (1859), during the Quanzhang conflict, Xu Cai and twelve of his subordinates died in service, prompting the Lin family to fund the construction of the temple to honor their spirits. The main structure features a three-bay layout with two dragon guardians, and the entrance is adorned with images of door gods bearing swords and seals, resembling traditional temples. The existing structure still showcases the craftsmanship of traditional artisans. Due to its representation of the Hakka people's involvement in the Quanzhang conflict, it holds significant historical value. In 2013, it was designated as a city-level historical site in New Taipei City and underwent restoration costing millions to preserve this invaluable cultural asset. The New Taipei City government began restoration and re-utilization projects in 2018, completed over two years, with partial openings of the main hall and temple grounds. In collaboration with the Banqiao Lin Family Garden, periodic tours of the historic Banqiao City are held, led by volunteer guides, connecting with the Cihui Temple, Jieyun Temple, and Dazhong Temple to establish the cultural特色 of "Fangqiao Ancient City."
