Dongyue Hall (Eastern Mountain Temple)

Dongyue Hall, or Eastern Mountain Temple, was built in 1673. It was a humble shrine located at the roundabout of Tainan City's Dongmen, or East Gate, but was later moved to its current address.

The temple is the oldest among all those dedicated to Yuedi in Taiwan. It resembles a temple that worships city gods, because Yuedi as a deity also protects local citizens. The temple consists of three sections, two wings and a bell tower. During the Japanese colonial occupation of Taiwan (1895-1945), the bell tower and a gate were demolished for road expansion. In 1979, other parts of the temple were also demolished, leaving only two sections of the structure. In 1994, the original three-sectioned structure was restored.

The three sections of the temple's structure are situated in the north, with the entrance facing the south. In general, the temple is a mixed structure of sheer walls and hangs over bracket sets. In addition to Yuedi, many other deities are worshipped in the temple. Each of these deities, particularly those from the underworld, is presented in a frightening and gloomy image. The temple's many halls and corridors blocks sunlight from entering each other, making them all look very spooky. This distinguishes Dongyue Hall from other ordinary temples in Taiwan. On the 1st and 15th of every lunar month, many worshippers come to the temple to pay their respect to the deities.

There is a "basso-relievo", or blessing from heaven, on the rear wall of the temple's main hall. Personages are vividly depicted, all with natural colors. It has appeared on many local postcards.