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Destinations and landmarks

Xiaying Beijidian Shangdi Miao1. Xiaying Beijidian Shangdi Miao (Xiaying North Pole Temple of the High Emperor):  Also known as the Grand Temple, this is the main seat of Beiji Syuantian Shangdi (North Pole Emperor of the Mysterious Heavens), also known as Shangdi Gong (the High Emperor) amongst the locals. This gilded and splendid temple was created by master craftsmen and decorated with calligraphy from renowned scholar gentry to provide a breathtaking view. The first floor of the main hall (Hall of the North Pole) is the seat of Syuantian Shangdi (Emperor of the Mysterious Heavens), the second floor is the seat of the various Buddhas and Arhats, while the third floor (Hall of the Jade Emperor) is the seat of the Yuhuang Shangdi (The Jade Emperor). The Bell Tower at the East Corridor pays homage to Kaitian Yandi (Emperor Yan who Opened the Sky) and Taiyang Singjyun (Lord of the Solar Star), while the Drum Tower of the West Corridor pays homage to Yanpingjyun Wang (Prince of Yanping Province, Jheng Cheng-gong) and Jhaoming Wang (Prince of Jhaoming). The Temple also has a stone incense censer crafted during the reign of Emperor Kangsi, making it over 300 years old. The Temple of Shangdi receives many supplicants, a great number of which have received miracles. Numerous believers have come to offer them their respects. The birthday celebration of Shangdi is held every third day of the third Month of the Lunar Calendar. During the days leading to the sacred birthday as well as the few days afterwards, the entire area would be an extremely crowded place as the Grand Temple is the religious center of the entire district. Telephone: 06-6892362
Address: No. 1, Secton 1, Jhongshan Road, Xiaying Village, Xiaying District

 

Wu Cheng-en's Park2. Wu Cheng-en's Park
This park is located about 150 meters away from the Grand Temple and occupies a total area of 2 hectares (0.8 hectares of land and 1.2 hectares of lake). Traditional Chinese landscaping was employed to decorate the place. The park is filled with pavilions and thickets of pines and trees. Schools of koi glide effortlessly through the lake waters. Visitors could ascend the viewing towers to lay their eyes upon the beauty of the entire park. Wu Cheng-en's Park is a perfect replica of a traditional Chinese garden in Taiwan, and is one of the favorite destinations of local residents as well as out-of-town visitors (and supplicants of the Grand Temple). The lake is home to a large number of turtles, with the Chinese stripe-necked turtle being the most populous. The park is famous as a conservation area for Taiwanese turtle species and suitable for those who wish to observe stripe-necked turtle ecology

 

 Master Yan Shuei-long Memorial Park3. Master Yan Shuei-long Memorial Park
Master Yan Shuei-long, a venerated pioneer and national treasure in the field of art, was born in Hongcuo Village. Master Yan focused on oil painting, creating artworks that fully express unique elements of Taiwanese folk culture. Master Yan was also regarded as a leader in Taiwanese advertising design and helped to direct local art and crafts. Yan passed away in 1997 at the age of 95, and was buried in his hometown at Hongcuo Village. The Yan Clan would gather before their family shrine to conduct ancestral worship ceremonies at every Dongjhih (winter solstice). The shrine has over 150 years of history, and was rebuilt 3 times to achieve its modern appearance. Why would Clan Yan choose to hold their ancestor worship ceremonies at Dongjhih? The ceremonial documents wrote: "Do not forget the feel of wind and frost of Dongjhih, and the preparations to venerate your ancestors." This seemed to coincide with the saying: "When Dongjhih arrives, family members shall gather." The current Clan Yan family shrine was fully renovated in the 7th Year of Emperor Showa (1932) under the Japanese occupation when Mr. Yan Long rang (grandfather of Mr. Yan Yong-deng) served as the Baojheng of the area. Although the family shrine is not yet 100 years old, it represents the soul of a clan that has lived in Taiwan for well over a century. Telephone: 06-6891399.Address: Next to No. 122, Hongcuo Village, Xiaying District

 

Xiaying District Produce and Cultural Museum4. Xiaying District Produce and Cultural Museum
This museum introduces the specialty produce of the region that include silkworms, mulberries, geese, and black beans as well as exhibits  artifacts and events of Xiaying. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing tour while personally experiencing the unique rustic atmosphere of the area. Telephone: 06-6898496
Address: No. 301, Section 1, Jhongshan Road, Sinsing Village, Xiaying District

 

5. Xiaying District - A Tour of the Temples and Shrines