Sanxia Zushi Temple

Qingshui Zushi Temple, located near Sanxia Old Street, is renowned for its flourishing incense. Primarily dedicated to Qingshui Zushi (Patriarch Qingshui), it was originally established in the 34th year of Emperor Qianlong's reign (1769 AD). In 1947 (36th year of the Republic of China), due to its age and disrepair, Professor Lee Mei-shu was appointed as the artistic designer and engineering consultant for its reconstruction. The temple's numerous magnificent stone and wood carvings blend the styles of master craftsmen from various schools and contemporary artists, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship and aesthetics of that era, thus earning it the reputation as the “Palace of Folk Art” and “Palace of Oriental Art.” This artistic sanctuary, Zushi Temple, built with ancient methods in a “five-gate, three-hall” temple architectural style, is a confluence of master craftsmen's work. Starting from the stone steps of the front hall, the ground, walls, and pillars are all made of stone, while the five gates of the main hall are made of bronze. The dragon pillars, flower-and-bird pillars, and wood carvings within the temple are intricately and exquisitely crafted. Zushi Temple uses stone as its foundation and wood for its roof; looking up, one can see intricately carved wooden structures everywhere. The stories depicted in the murals and wood carvings are drawn from “Romance of the Three Kingdoms,” “Journey to the West,” “Investiture of the Gods,” and “The Twenty-four Filial Exemplars,” all created by renowned artists of the era. Must-see: the openwork stone pillars and caisson ceiling of the main hall. Upon entering Sanxia Zushi Temple, you will immediately be captivated by its magnificent and richly endowed religious art. Among the temple's many splendid stone carvings, the most eye-catching are the twenty pillar carvings in the main hall. Particularly exquisite are the three pairs of openwork stone pillars at the entrance to the main hall: the “Twin Dragons with Swords, Golden Light Gathering Immortals Array” three-tiered octagonal double-dragon pillar, the “Hundred Birds Worshipping Plum Blossom Pillar,” and the “Twin Dragons Greeting Thirty-Six Generals and Eighteen Riders” three-tiered octagonal double-dragon pillar. These demonstrate the exceptionally high craftsmanship of that time and are considered the temple's treasures. After reaching the main hall, remember to look up at the rare spiral net-patterned caisson ceiling above. It spirals upwards layer by layer, executed with extremely difficult carving techniques, making it highly artistic. Due to the difficulty of maintenance, it is also why incense is not burned in Zushi Temple's main hall. After visiting Zushi Temple, you might want to explore the nearby streets. In addition to visiting Sanxia Old Street, nearby is the Ganle Cultural and Creative Cluster, where you can enjoy tofu, soy milk, and taste local agricultural products. You can also visit a blue dye workshop for a DIY fabric dyeing experience. (Source: New Taipei City Tourism and Travel Website)