Hsinchu Chenghuang Temple

　　“Hsinchu’s Chenghuang, Beigang’s Mazu” – in Taiwanese folk religion, the Hsinchu Chenghuang enjoys great prestige, rivaling the fame of the Beigang Mazu. In fact, the Hsinchu Chenghuang is the highest-ranking Chenghuang deity worshipped in the Taiwan-Penghu region, enjoying thriving incense offerings since the Qing Dynasty. The temple itself has a history of over 250 years and is listed as a third-grade historical site.

　　Due to the Chenghuang’s renowned efficacy, and Hsinchu being a place rich in culture and economic prosperity, the reputation of Hsinchu’s Chenghuang has grown even stronger. To this day, Hsinchu Chenghuang Temple remains an important spiritual center for local residents, with pilgrims from all over visiting year-round without interruption.

　　Upon entering through the temple courtyard and the San Chuan Hall gate, the noise of the streets is immediately shut out. The dark-faced, long-bearded Chenghuang sits solemnly in the main hall, with a plaque overhead inscribed “Govern Yin, Support Yang,” clearly outlining his authority. Another plaque, “Protector of Kinmen,” was personally bestowed by Emperor Guangxu, in recognition of the Chenghuang’s repeated divine interventions in repelling foreign invaders. The dimly lit hall displays rows of civil and military judges, as well as various ferociously faced subordinate deities, inspiring awe. A large iron abacus hangs from the beams, a reminder that good and evil will ultimately be reckoned. The rear hall enshrines the kind-hearted Lady Chenghuang, along with the First and Second Young Lords and the Birth Goddess.

　　The roof is adorned with elaborate cut-and-paste decorations, the brackets under the eaves are resplendent in gold, and the dragon pillars are finely carved. Meanwhile, the green granite lions in front of the San Chuan Hall gates feature bold, masculine carvings yet wear gentle, amiable expressions. Additionally, there are intricately carved stone windows made from solid stone slabs, and the layered caisson ceilings atop the San Chuan Hall, all worthy of close admiration.

　　Every year on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month, the Chenghuang’s parade to provide relief to lonely spirits and bless the area with peace is a major annual event in Hsinchu. Devotees who join the procession often bring the whole family, forming a long procession stretching for miles.

　　Transportation guide: Take bus routes 11, 23, 25, or 28 operated by Hsinchu Bus from in front of Hsinchu Railway Station and get off at Chenghuang Temple Stop; or walk along Zhongzheng Road, turn onto the roundabout, and then head onto Dongmen Street to reach the temple, a distance of about 700 meters.