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Fu Ren Gong

2025-08-13
886-3-3883261
桃園市大溪區和平路100號
At the end of Xingan Old Street stands a temple towering for centuries, adding a sense of solemnity amid the vibrant commercial street. Fojen Temple, the locals' so-called "Big Temple," was built during the 18th year of Emperor Jiaqing's reign (1813). At that time, the immigrants from Zhangzhou wished to avoid the inconvenience of crossing the Daxi Stream to Puding every year to worship Kaizhang Shengwang. Therefore, Li Bingsheng (father of Li Tengfang), Lu Fantiao, Lin Benyuan, and others raised funds to construct the temple. Nowadays, Fojen Temple is not only the central sacred site for Zhangzhou beliefs in Daxi but also serves as a rare venue accommodating the worship of local deities from the Hakka, Teochew, and Quanzhou communities. During the Japanese invasion of Taiwan, Fojen Temple became an office to manage the local populace against Japanese occupation. Then under Japanese colonial rule, it served as a military hospital. After enduring two successive reconstructions, it has become one of the grandest temples in Daxi. With over 300 ping of land, Fojen Temple is designed as a three-chamber compound, the rooftops employing the "false quadrangle" architectural style. Two dragon columns are set in the main hall or wing rooms. The main hall features a lofty ceiling, matching the height of the two-story rear chamber, symbolizing the equality of principal and accompanying deities. The temple's courtyard, divided by Xingan Old Street, once attracted children playing with spinning tops and residents chatting idly. Now it also serves as a parking area and community event space, retaining its warm local atmosphere even after a century. If you wish to experience local temple celebrations, you absolutely cannot miss the "sacrificial holy pork" contest held on the 11th day of the second lunar month. To celebrate the birthday of Kaizhang Shengwang, ten family clans take turns presenting sacred pigs, rotating every ten years-a matter of deep importance to each family. The holy pigs must be artfully painted by professional artisans, then presented at Fojen Temple plaza. Believers from all directions follow the procession through the streets, accompanied by traditional northern percussion instruments and folk theatrical performances, creating a spectacularly lively scene. Though over a century old, the "sacrificial holy pork" contest has evolved through time. Now, "creative holy pigs" created utilizing ingredients such as buns, noodles, and tangerines have replaced the real pigs, still promising a remarkable cultural spectacle worthy of attending.
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