Xinzhuang Jiaying Temple Introduction
Located in the Xinwen area, the Jiaying Temple serves as a center of faith for fishermen praying for safety. The main deity enshrined in the temple is King Yung, also known as the Three Lords of the Nine Dragons, who represents the loyal minister Wei Tianzhong from the late Southern Song Dynasty, along with his father Wei Guozuo and his grandfather Wei Liaoweng. Jiaying Temple has a history of over 280 years, currently situated on the bustling Provincial Highway 17. It began as a simple grass hut by the sea, but as the number of devotees increased, the temple was relocated to its present site, gradually growing to its current scale. The "Chongshuilu, Welcome King" festival held at the Jiaying Temple in Budai, Xinwen is a rare temple event in Taiwan. Devotees believe that on March 27 of the lunar calendar, seven mountain patrol kings and thirteen sea patrol kings—making a total of 20 "guest kings"—gather on an invisible royal boat off the coast of Xinwen. The royal boat rides the high tide into the Xinwen area as a guest. To fulfill their hospitality, the deities Yung Wang and the Three Lords of the Nine Dragons invite nearby temple statues, such as the old Three Lords of Nankunshan, the Tang Jiao Ma of Beigang Chaotian Temple, and the Three Mothers of Puzi Peitian Temple to join them in welcoming the guests. Dozens of divine palanquins rush into the water to greet them, giving rise to the "Chongshuilu, Welcome King" folkloric celebration. Today, the century-old "Chongshuilu, Welcome King" has become a major annual festival in Xinwen, attracting devotees from all over Taiwan. It stands out as one of the most significant events that combines religion and culture in the coastal area of Chiayi.
