The First County Town God’s Temple of Taiwan

The First County Town God’s Temple of Taiwan

The First County Town God’s Temple of Taiwan is a cultural tourism attraction.

The First County Town God’s Temple of Taiwan is an official government-sponsored temple dedicated to the City God, established during the Qing Dynasty’s rule over Taiwan. Originally known as the “Taiwan County Town God’s Temple,” it is located in the West Central District of Tainan City. Although its history can be traced back to the Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty, the current temple structure was rebuilt in January 1980 after World War II, and it is one of Taiwan’s major City God temples.

The First County Town God’s Temple of Taiwan was initially constructed with funds donated by Zhang Hong, the Magistrate of Taiwan County. Its original location was next to the county office in Dong’anfang. Later, in the 15th year of the Qianlong reign (1750), Magistrate Fang Bangji and County Magistrate Lu Dingmei moved the temple to the right side of Chikan Tower in Zhenbeifang. However, it was moved again the following year to the north of the county office. Over time, the temple underwent several renovations and expansions. After World War II, the temple was renovated and reconsecrated in April 1966 (the 55th year of the Republic of China), and a prayer ceremony for peace was held. Two years later, the Kṣitigarbha Hall was added. However, due to the decay of the temple beams, fundraising for another renovation began in September 1978 (the 67th year of the Republic of China), and the project was completed in January 1980 (the 69th year of the Republic of China), resulting in its current appearance.

The current City God Temple is a single-courtyard, three-bay structure. Above the entrance is inscribed the phrase “Have you come?” The main hall’s shrine enshrines the “Manifest Protector City God,” flanked by attendant civil and military judges, as well as Seventh Lord and Eighth Lord. The temple receives many worshippers daily.

Tai Xianyi City God Temple

Must-visit reason: One of Taiwan’s major City God temples