Article by MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network, reported and compiled by Chen Guanxin
The City God Temple in southern Taichung has a history of over a hundred years. Around the annual birthday of the City God on the 15th day of the sixth lunar month, worshippers from all over gather at the temple. In addition to holding ceremonies and various art troupe competitions, the area will host Taichung’s only “City God Night Patrol” folk celebration this coming (21st). On the day of the event, performances such as the Golden Lion Troupe and Official Generals Troupe will kick off at 18:00 in the temple courtyard, along with theatrical acts. Xu Zhenrong, leader of the Jiutian Folk Arts Troupe, will serve as the theater commentator. At 19:00 in the evening, the City God’s palanquin will set off on its patrol around the Zhongxiao Night Market area, with street performances at designated spots, helping to continue the inheritance of Taichung’s unique folk culture.
This City God Night Patrol event will kick off on the evening of the 21st, with multiple traditional art troupe performances taking place in the temple courtyard. (Photo provided by Taichung City Government Cultural Affairs Bureau)
This year’s “Taichung South District City God Night Patrol” will take place on the 21st. The day’s activities will begin at 18:00 in the temple courtyard, featuring the inaugural “City God Birthday Night Patrol Departure Theater,” Golden Lion Troupe, Northern Music performances, ritual purification of the palanquin by Taoist priests, drummers leading the palanquin, and the Officials Generals Troupe, among other courtyard performances. Xu Zhenrong, leader of the Jiutian Folk Arts Troupe, will also be on hand to explain the performances, giving the public a deeper understanding of the traditional and modern meanings behind these art troupes.
At 19:00 in the evening, the City God’s palanquin will set off on its patrol around the Zhongxiao Night Market area, passing through Hezuo Street, Zhongxiao Road, Taizhong Road, and Guoguang Road along the way. Various art troupes and community cultural groups will accompany the procession, with two scheduled performances at the intersections of Minyi Street and Zhengyi Street. Residents from nearby neighborhoods—City God, Guoguang, and Changrong—will also take part in the event, playing roles such as soldiers and flag bearers.
The upcoming night patrol event will also feature participation and performances from residents of the City God, Guoguang, and Changrong communities. (Photo provided by Taichung City Government Cultural Affairs Bureau)
City God worship is one of the important traditional beliefs among the people. The City God enshrined in the temple is known for being strict, upright, rewarding good and punishing evil, and is deeply respected by the public. The century-old City God Temple in southern Taichung holds a “City God Night Patrol” that is a unique folk celebration in the greater Taichung area. It is said that wherever the City God patrols can help dispel disasters, ward off misfortune, and bring good luck.
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