Sanliao Bay Donglong Temple Introduction
Donglong Temple was established by the ancestors of Sanliaowan who came to Taiwan from the sea with Zheng Chenggong. In order to ensure safe passage across the sea, they invited the statue of Li Fu Qiansui to provide protection. In gratitude for the great power of Qiansui, they initially created a grass community and built a temple for worship. Donglong Temple is designed in traditional Minnan architectural style and enshrines deities including Li, Wen, Wu, and Chi Fu Qiansui, as well as Baosheng Dadi. The temple also houses two boats dedicated to Wang, one made of wood and the other of copper, established in 1976. The copper boat is the only ancient sailing boat of Quanzhou style in Taiwan, featuring finely carved sailors and boat houses, with vivid representations of figures, showcasing significant folk art value. The Wang boat cultural belief originates from the Donggang River basin in Pingtung. To promote the unique culture of Wang Ye’s hometown, the cultural center next to Donglong Temple features three major thematic halls: a museum of Wang Ye belief, a museum of Water Margin heroes, and a museum of cultural rituals, reflecting the strength and beauty of religion. The lively “Sending the Wang Boat” event, held once every three years, is a ceremony to send off “Wen Wang Ye” on the boat for a heavenly inspection. The boat, known as “Wen Wang Boat,” is launched on the first day of the eleventh month in the lunar calendar, which marks the birthday of Wen Fu Qiansui. The ritual involves a “boat migration” around the village for worship, followed by a “journey” for cremation. Believers believe that after the heavenly inspection, "Wen Wang Ye" will report to the Jade Emperor and then return to the temple to preside, becoming a renowned religious cultural activity in Taiwan!
