Living Yin-Yang Attendants
12.9-12.11
The Yin-Yang Attendant, one of Qingshan King’s retainers, has a half-black, half-white painted face, symbolizing the balance of yin and yang and the distinction between good and evil. Carrying a vermilion brush and scroll, he listens to the grievances of lost spirits during the procession.
Qingshan Temple’s Eight Generals
12.9-12.11
Appearing only once a year during the festival, the Eight Generals safeguard Qingshan King’s journey. With a tradition over a century old, their masks, costumes, and weapons are passed down through generations. Their unique Three-Step Chant ritual, adapted from traditional opera’s “Ghost Walk,” is a signature feature.
Procession Guards (Zhishi)
12.9-12.11
Modeled after imperial guards of ancient emperors, the Guard Troupe clears the path for Qingshan King’s palanquin. Their banners read “Great Minister of the Song Dynasty,” an honor said to have been granted twice by the emperor for Qingshan King’s valor in battle.
Heavenly Sweepers (Tiandi-Sao)
12.9-12.11
A team of female devotees volunteers to sweep the streets ahead of the King’s palanquin. Wearing vests and bamboo hats, each carries a broom to symbolically sweep away misfortune and welcome blessings, praying for family health and prosperity.
Magnolia Flower Ritual
During the procession, elders traditionally request magnolia flowers from Qingshan King’s palanquin to take home, offering them as protection for their families. Today, magnolias are still distributed to devotees as part of this unique ritual.
Living Pageant Floats (Yige)
12.9-12.10
For this year’s Jiachen Year Festival, the century-old tradition of Yige floats is revived. On the second Night Patrol and the Main Parade, twenty dazzling floats with live performers will parade through Ximending, tossing snacks, toys, and charms to the crowd—creating a magical carnival exclusive to Bangka.
The Four Great Ensembles (Xianshe)
12.9-12.11
Northern Taiwan temple processions always feature xianshe music groups and deity generals. During the three days of Qingshan King’s procession, century-old ensembles—Yiying, Yian, and Fengyin—alongside the younger Bangka Qingshan Society, march in unison. Their nine-foot-tall deity generals move solemnly to the rhythm of beiguan music, blessing devotees along the way.
Fushiki Hikiyama Festival
The Fushiki Hikiyama Festival in Takaoka traces its origins to the Edo period, when the prosperous Kitamae trading ships brought wealth to the port town of Fushiki. It is also associated with the spring festival of Fushiki Shrine and is held annually on the third Saturday of May.
During the daytime, visitors can admire the magnificent festival floats—towering eight meters high and weighing around eight tons—beautifully decorated with lacquerware and carvings as they parade through the streets.
At night, hundreds of lanterns illuminate the town, creating a magical and enchanting atmosphere.
The most exciting highlight is the “Kaccha”, a spectacular clash between the massive floats. The thunderous collisions and the cheers of the crowd ignite the festival’s most thrilling moments. This grand event, blending tradition and bold energy, showcases the unique passion and spirit of Fushiki.
Introduction to the Six Major Temples
Beigang Chaotian Temple
Located in Beigang, Yunlin County, Chaotian Temple has a long history and widespread devotion. In 1694, the Mazu statue was brought from Meizhou Chaotian Pavilion in Fujian, China, and temporarily enshrined in Bengang. In 1730, it was rebuilt as “Tianhou Temple.” In 1812, the abbot Huan Zhong renamed it “Chaotian Temple” to honor the Meizhou origin. After a fire in 1894 damaged the main hall, master craftsman Chen Yingbin led the reconstruction, establishing a classic example of Taiwanese indigenous temple architecture.
Puzi Peitian Temple
Peitian Temple has over 330 years of history. Lin Ma, a local settler, brought the Mazu statue from Meizhou in 1682. He rested under an ancient camphor tree by the Puzi River, and the deity chose to remain there. In 1687, the temple named “Pushu Temple” was built, forming the surrounding settlement known as Puzijiao Street. It is now a county-level historical site.
Fuxing Temple
Fuxing Temple worships Tian Shang Sheng Mu and is also called “Mazu Temple” or “Xiluo Mazu Temple.” Established in 1717 by Master Minghai from Yongquan Temple and local citizen Zheng Shimin, it was rebuilt with community support in 1723. During the Lin Shuangwen rebellion in 1786, the deity’s protection was credited for restoring peace, earning the titles “Taiping Ma” or “Ping’an Ma.”
Wuqi Haotian Temple (Taichung)
The history of Haotian Temple in Taichung dates back over 300 years. Guangdong immigrants brought the Mazu deity from their hometown to ensure safe sea voyages. They settled in the Shalu Dazhuang area, built a small thatched shrine in 1723 (Qing Yongzheng 1st year), and established a Mazu committee with Tian Shang Sheng Mu as the main deity. In 1856, the temple was relocated to its current site. The deity, known locally as “Dazhuang Ma” or “Diving Ma,” became the center of regional worship, spreading to 53 villages in the area (including Wuqi, Shalu, Longjing, Dadu, and Qingshui). Folk traditions such as “Dazhuang Ma Beigang Pilgrimage Procession” and “Carrying the Palanquin” are registered as intangible cultural heritage in Taichung.
Taichung Zhongfu Hall
Zhongfu Hall was founded by Mr. Chen Guan-Hong and followers, worshiping Bao’an Guangze Zunwang. In 2019, it was officially elevated to the Taichung Zhongfu Hall Fengyuan Jinhuye Branch. Annual events include pilgrimages to Xingang Fengtian Temple and Dajia Mazu Temple, major folk festivities for devotees.
Muzha Jiying Temple
Located in Wenshan District, Taipei, Jiying Temple worships Baoyi Zunwang, a Tang dynasty loyalist deity. Initially established during local epidemics, the temple has undergone several renovations and serves as a spiritual center for residents.
Transportation:
Take the train to Wanhua Station and
walk for about 10 minutes.
Take the MRT to Longshan Temple
Station and walk for about 10 minutes.
