About Xiahai City God Temple 台北霞海城隍廟
Xia-Hai City God Temple is a historic and culturally significant temple located in the Dadaocheng area of Taipei, Taiwan. The temple is dedicated to the City God, a deity believed to protect the local community and maintain justice in the town or city. The City God is a popular figure in Chinese folk religion, and temples dedicated to this deity are commonly found in various parts of Taiwan and mainland China.
Founded in 1859, the Xia-Hai City God Temple is one of the oldest temples in Taipei. It was established by the Chinese immigrants who came to Taiwan during the Qing Dynasty, primarily from the Fujian region. The temple was built to honor the City God, who was considered the protector of the local area and its people, overseeing both spiritual well-being and the safety of the community.
The temple’s origins are closely linked to the region’s development into a prosperous commercial and cultural center. Over time, the temple has become an important place of worship for locals, with deep roots in the tradition and history of Dadaocheng District, one of Taipei’s oldest neighborhoods.
Architecture and Design
The architecture of Xia-Hai City God Temple reflects traditional Chinese temple design, featuring vibrant colors, intricate carvings, and detailed decorations that embody religious symbolism. Some key architectural features include:
Colorful Facade
The temple’s exterior is decorated with elaborate carvings, mythological figures, and dragons—symbols of power and protection.
Main Hall
The main hall enshrines the City God (城隍), and visitors can offer incense, prayers, and offerings in front of his statue. The hall is adorned with wooden carvings, paintings, and ceramic decorations depicting various deities and traditional Chinese scenes.
Side Shrines
The temple also houses several side shrines dedicated to other deities such as Guanyin (Goddess of Mercy) and Wenchang Dijun (God of Culture). These side shrines attract devotees seeking blessings for different aspects of their lives, such as health, love, or academic success.
Religious Practices and Significance
City God
The main deity worshipped in the temple is the City God, who is believed to protect the local community, avoid disasters and uphold justice. Devotees visit temples to pray for blessings in all aspects of life. In addition to praying to the City God to protect them from disasters, believers also hope that the City God can bless them with good health, wealth, success in their careers, and a safe or happy family.
Yue Lao (Marriage Blessings)
Xia-Hai City God Temple is particularly famous for helping people with marriage-related matters. Many people visit the temple to seek blessings for romantic relationships or to find a suitable marriage partner. The temple has a reputation for helping people in this area, making it a popular destination for those seeking love or marriage.
Xia-Hai City God Temple is also famous for its Yue Lao temple, and tourists from all over the world make special trips here, especially from Japan and South Korea. Wedding cakes, candies, etc. are often seen on the altar, placed there by believers who come to fulfill their vows.
In Taiwan, Yue Lao is in charge of Marriage and Love. Many people believe that if you make a wish for love at this temple, your dreams will come true. The main reasons why many people visit the temple are to find a good marriage partner and to have a happy marriage life. In fact, each Yue Lao temple has different ways of worshipping. If you are not sure, you can ask the temple first. The temple will have someone to explain so that you can successfully find your marriage partner. The most important thing is definitely a pious heart.
Divination with Bamboo Sticks
Like many temples in Taiwan, Xia-Hai City God Temple offers divination practices using bamboo sticks (筊杯, jiǎo bēi). Worshippers ask the City God for guidance on personal or business matters and interpret the results based on how the sticks land. This practice is popular among visitors seeking answers to life’s challenges.
Temple Festivals
The temple celebrates important traditional festivals such as the City God’s birthday (which falls on the 15th day of the 1st lunar month), with grand processions, traditional performances, and cultural events. These festivals are an excellent opportunity to experience the vibrant religious and cultural atmosphere of the temple.
Dress Code?
Eating upon entering a temple is not permitted. You can enter most Taiwanese temples if you are wearing a vest, shorts, skirt, sandals, sunglasses, etc. There is no special dress code for visiting temples in Taiwan. Just wear normal clothes. In the minds of locals, you can wear whatever you like, but you must dress modestly in the temple.
Opening Hours
Opening hours: 07:00-19:00
Price
Cost: Free Entrance
The Best Time to Visit
Whenever you visit Dihua Street, it is located on Dihua Street.
Xia-Hai City God Temple is a beautiful and culturally rich spiritual landmark in Taipei. It provides an excellent opportunity for visitors to experience Taiwanese folk religion, divination practices, and traditional Chinese temple architecture. Whether you are seeking blessings, experiencing the cultural atmosphere, or learning about Taiwan’s religious traditions, Xia-Hai City God Temple offers a fascinating and meaningful visit. Its deep ties to the local community, history, and folk beliefs make it an essential stop for anyone interested in Taipei’s spiritual and cultural life.
How to get to?
From: MRT(O12 Daqiaotou Exit 1A) → walk 1000 meters
Google Map: Xia-Hai City God Temple
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