Zhanghua Kaihua Temple - Guanyin Pavilion

Main Deity: Guanyin Buddha. Historical Background: Kaihua Temple is a county-designated historic site, formerly known as Guanyin Pavilion. It was built in the second year of Emperor Yongzheng's reign (1724) by Tan Jingzheng, the first magistrate of Zhanghua County. Zhanghua County was established in the first year of Yongzheng's reign (1723), but its county office building was not completed until the sixth year (1728). Consequently, officials previously worked in the county seat of Zhuluo County (now Chiayi County) until the completion of the Zhanghua county office, after which they returned to administer affairs there. For this reason, Kaihua Temple is recognized as 'having been founded before the city walls and official residences, serving as the origin of political, educational, and cultural affairs, and being the very first temple or altar established.'