Shuangli Ancient Guandi Temple Introduction
Gu Ning Tou, also known as Gu Long Tou or Jia Li Tou, includes Nan Shan, Bei Shan, and Lin Cuo. In the past, there was a bay where seawater meandered between Nan Shan and Bei Shan, shaped like a pair of koi fish biting each other's tails, thus named Shuang Li Lake. The small sandbank rising above the water between the lake and the sea resembled a lotus emerging from the water. Surveyors remarked that it looked like the pair of koi welcoming a pearl, so a temple was built here called "Shuang Li Gu Di," worshipping the God of War (Guan Yu) as the patron deity, alongside Guan Ping and Zhou Cang, who are the deities honored by the communities of Nan Shan, Bei Shan, and Lin Cuo in Gu Ning Tou. The temple was first built in the 13th year of the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty and underwent restoration in the 16th year of the Republic of China. During the 823 Artillery Battle, numerous shells fell around, yet this Shuang Li Gu Di Temple stood tall and undamaged, highlighting its status as a sacred place and the miracles of the gods. It was restored again in the 63rd and 73rd years of the Republic of China, and recently completed renovations in the 97th year, enhancing the temple's resplendence. Couplets: Main gate couplet: "Shuang Li welcomes the pearl, shining bright in Jia Li; Gu Long coils to guard, bestowing blessings on the peaceful town." Column couplet one: "The light of Shuang Li Lake in front of the temple reflects loyalty and righteousness; The incense of the three villages within relies on the emperor's virtue and divine grace." Column couplet two: "The twin peaks arise from the majestic mountain spirit, anchoring the sacred land; The city of koi is divided into branches, steadfastly protecting the peaceful town with imperial grace." Column couplet three: "Completing great principles with loyalty and integrity, earning fame in the Three Kingdoms; Upholding justice and revealing faith, commanding respect throughout the nine provinces."
