Hsinchu City God Temple

The Hsinchu City God Temple is not a 'Yin Temple' but a 'Yang Temple'. Although the City God presides over affairs in the underworld, he is an enforcer of divine law recognized by the imperial court for both the living and the departed, making him a righteous deity, not a temple dedicated to solitary spirits. Due to the City God's responsibilities encompassing underworld matters, recording good and evil deeds, and judging souls, coupled with the often solemn atmosphere of temples and the holding of rituals for solitary souls and deliverance ceremonies, it is frequently mistaken for a Yin Temple.

There are time-specific considerations when visiting the Hsinchu City God Temple. The City God handles matters of the living during the day and focuses on underworld affairs after 5 PM. Therefore, it is recommended that office workers, business people, civil servants, students, and exam candidates complete their worship before 5 PM. If you are involved in the 'eight major industries' or are a person of the 'jianghu' (underworld), it is suggested to visit after 5 PM. Additionally, individuals who have committed crimes or are involved in illicit relationships (mistresses, lovers) are advised not to visit.

Besides the main deity, the City God, the Hsinchu City God Temple also enshrines many other deities, including statues of Li Pai Ye and Dong Pai Ye, Generals Fan and Xie, Generals Jia and Suo, Generals Niu and Ma, as well as Civil and Military Judges, all with solemn dignity and performing their respective duties.

The Hsinchu City God Temple was founded in 1748 and was the largest temple in Taiwan at the time. The market and snacks surrounding its plaza have become a signature feature of Hsinchu. Historical records indicate that in 1891, officials and citizens from all over Taiwan held a prayer ceremony here. In gratitude for its protection of the nation and its people, it was posthumously promoted to the Hsinchu City God, becoming the only provincial-level City God Temple in Taiwan and Penghu. Furthermore, due to its efficacy in repelling bandits, Emperor Guangxu bestowed upon it the plaque 'Jinmen Baozhang' (Treasure of Jinmen). It has since received imperial commendations from successive emperors, making it the highest-ranking City God in Taiwan.

The snacks at the City God Temple's entrance are a must-try when visiting Hsinchu. This area gathers many famous local food stalls. Must-order items include Hsinchu's unique rice noodles, meatball soup, rou yuan (pork balls in gravy), as well as stir-fried noodles, run bing (crepe), gua bao (pork belly bun), and various other traditional snacks, satisfying your taste buds all at once.