Baimawenwu Wang Temple Introduction
The Baima Wengong Temple, located by the coast of Ketiau Bay, is a temple that embodies the serene yet vibrant beauty of traditional artwork. Ketiau Bay is a small inlet to the north of Matsu Village, where fishing boats from Tieban and Jinsha areas come to seek shelter during the summer southern winds. The temple houses two deities, Wengong and Wudang, which are distinct from the more commonly known Baima Zunwang who rides a white horse. Legend has it that during the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty, two bodies washed ashore at Ketiau Bay and were buried by the villagers. Soon after, Wengong communicated divine messages through a medium associated with Prince Pan, leading to the establishment of the temple. After its construction, whenever a storm approached, a light would appear, traversing the inlet to warn fishing boats along the coast to return for safety. This divine protection has strengthened the villagers' devout faith. The temple is built in the architectural style of eastern Fujian, characterized by the volcanic rock wall design. Its small and exquisite appearance, featuring gray stone bricks alongside colorful and flowing lines on the gable, reflects a perfect blend of stability and visibility, capturing the essence of traditional art.
