【Address】No.133, Cingnian Rd., West Central District, Tainan City
【Brief Introduction】
Huang is the legendary city guarding god in ancient mythology. In the Jhou Dynasty in China, the king should worship eight gods, the seventh being Water Yong. Water means Huang, and Yong refers to the City, thus this is the origin of the worship of Cheng Huang (City God).
【History】
City God is the local guardian God, responsible for people’s afterlife, analogous to how the government officials handle the world of the living. Therefore, when any incoming government officials reported to duty, he would go to the Cheng Huang Temple to pray. The faith of the City God as the last guardian of people’s justice remains unchanged over time. The temple is also referred to as the “government office” in the underworld. Therefore, it is solemn yet splendid. Its grand scale is considered one of the biggest amongst all traditional temples in Taiwan. The gloomy atmosphere of the temple is impressive even in daylight.
【Features】
Main Worship：Huangweiling Gong Religion：Taoism On the right side of the main hall, there is a Jiang commemoration hall to honor the Qing era Taiwan Governor Jiang Yu-ying. There is a higher platform for theatrical performances at the main Gate. Sitting north and facing south, the building consists of three halls and two rooms. There is a hall of worship connecting the front hall and the main hall. With the light illuminating both sides of the hall of worship, the two halls it connects almost seem as one. Looking up upon entering through the main gate, you can see a huge abacus over the door. Legend has it that it is used for calculating the good deeds and sins a person has committed, and for deciding the ultimate punishment he or she rightfully deserves.