Lukang Chenghuang Temple, Lukang Township, Changhua County, Taiwán
Even though Lukang Old Street is abundant in Taiwanese snacks, the City God Temple with great aesthetic values is not to be missed.
The temple has two halls enclosed with a courtyard, which are respectively the Sanchuan hall, the main hall and the rear hall. The door gods painted on the front door of the Sanchuan hall are two deities named Shenshu and Yulu who have the ability to ability to ward off demons. Civil and martial officials can be seen on one side door, and yamen runners on the other. Inside the temple, you will find a giant abacus used by the City God to add up a person’s good and bad deeds as well as a bronze mirror that could tell vice from virtue. Visitors are able to appreciate the quaint beauty of the architecture and get to know a bit more about these folklores and tales.
Every weekend, the temple provides free oracle interpretation to all perplexed worshippers, who flood here to seek an answer to their dilemma — that probably explains why the City God Temple in Chiayi is especially incense-choked. While in Lukang, never miss out on this center of faith among locals to have a closer look at the Taiwanese religions and culture in its early years.
Epic Taiwan Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound