Beipu Citian Temple

Beipu Citian Temple, located on Beipu Old Street, is the most representative temple in the area and the spiritual heart of Beipu. Since its initial founding, Citian Temple has undergone numerous renovations. The most significant was a major reconstruction in 1874 (the 13th year of the Tongzhi reign) led by Jiang Rong-hua, the eldest grandson of Jiang Xiu-luan, which added two corridors and a front hall, establishing a "two-halls, two-corridors, two-wing-houses" layout. In addition to the main deity Guanyin Bodhisattva, the temple also enshrines Mazu (the Holy Mother), Emperor Shennong (God of Agriculture), Wenchang Dijun (God of Culture and Literature), Sanchuan Guowang (Three Mountain Kings), Sanguan Dadi (Three Imperial Sovereigns), Zhusheng Niangniang (Goddess of Childbirth), and Fude Zhengzhen (Earth God). The east wing further houses the memorial tablets of individuals who contributed to the development of Beipu, such as Tamsui Sub-prefect Li Siyi and pioneering leaders Jiang Xiu-luan and Jiang Rong-hua. This aspect also documents Beipu's history of reclamation and its diverse religious beliefs, making the temple the spiritual and living center for Beipu residents. Precisely because the temple enshrines deities from various backgrounds, it has diminished the ancestral boundaries among the early settlers and strengthened Beipu's central position among settlements like Zhongxing, Chikehping, Fuxing, Dali, Puwei, and Nanpu. When visiting Beipu Old Street, in addition to exploring Citian Temple, you can also follow the alleyway to the left of the temple to visit the ancient well, admire the retro architecture of the old street, and experience Beipu's rustic charm.