Chingshan Temple

Chingshan Temple was built in 1854. It is home to the god King Chingshan. According to legend, fishermen from Fukien Province's Huian County in Mainland China brought the god's image to Taiwan. When they carried the image past Old Street (today's Hsiyuan Road), they suddenly found themselves brought to a halt. The god simply refused to move any further. The god's devotees threw the oracle blocks to find out what the matter was, and discovered that he wanted to stay there. That is where the devotees later built the temple.

An epidemic was raging at the time, but prayers to King Chingshan were sure to bring a recovery. Thus the god's grateful devotees increased, and they contributed money to build a new temple -- the one that exists today.

Chingshan Temple is home to two guardians, General Hsieh Pi-an and General Fan Wu-ti. In the early days the chains in their hands were often heard clanging in the temple and the streets nearby, or the generals were seen patrolling the streets. Thus there were very few thieves in the neighborhood.

The celebration marking the birthday of King Chingshan is held on the 22nd day of the 10th lunar month. On that day all of the other temples in the area also celebrate the occasion, helping make it one of the most interesting festivals in Manka, today's Wanhua District.

Chingshan Temple is also close to other interesting architectures in Wanhua District, including Chingshui Temple. The streets nearby are lined with red-brick shops in the Taisho-style. These were built during Japan's Taisho reign period (1912-1925), a time when Japan administered Taiwan as a colony.

The Chingshan Temple is located in Gueiyang Street in Taipei City.