Beiji Temple

It is said that Beiji Temple, built in 1665, was the oldest temple worshipping the Emperor of Mysterious Heaven in Taiwan. It was originally a clinic practicing traditional medicine during the Dutch Colonization. In 1661, it was occupied by Cheng Cheng-gong (Zheng Cheng-gong) and used as a medical station. When the Dutch retreated from Taiwan, Cheng renamed the temple Dashangdi and worshipped the Emperor of Mysterious Heaven as a guardian god.

Part of the temple was demolished for road expansion during the Japanese colonial occupation of Taiwan (1895-1945). This is why the temple is now adjacent tot eh street and has a verandah. The temple has a dwelling temple style. Its original classical style has disappeared after many times of renovation.

Color is the most striking feature of Beiji Temple. As the Emperor of Mysterious Heaven is a northern god with a darker tone, the doors, columns and flags inside the temple are all black. Many paintings inside the temple are the works of the celebrated folk artist Pan Li-shui. They have many details and are delicately painted. The door gods of the temple were painted by the artist and his son. The layout is peculiar and the style is vivid.

Also inside the temple is a tablet that records the details concerning the history and restoration of the temple. The record of changes in currency and materials and the land tax are valuable materials for economic historians. Meanwhile, there are two ancient tablets above the niche in the temple. The one that reads "Brightness of Mighty Spirits" was made in 1669. The calligraphy is graceful, elegant, pure and refreshing. It is valuable and precious because it is the oldest tablet and the only surviving one from the Ming Dynasty in Taiwan.