Yanshui Wumiao Temple

Yanshui Wumiao Temple, also known as "Guandi Temple," was built during the Yongli reign of the Ming Dynasty. In 1799, Lin Wenjun from Lukang was summoned to Taiwan-fu City due to a case. Upon his return, feeling that Emperor Guan had protected him and kept him safe, he funded its reconstruction, which established its current scale. The custom of setting off "beehive fireworks" (fengpao) is said to have deep roots with Wumiao Temple. Legend has it that during the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty, a plague broke out in the Yanshui area, causing numerous deaths daily and terrifying residents. Helpless, they turned to prayers and offerings, pleading with Emperor Guan Sheng (Guansheng Dijun), the most powerful deity in the region, for urgent protection. Indeed, Emperor Guan Sheng displayed his divine power, instructing Grandfather Zhou Cang (Zhou Cangye) to lead the way as a vanguard on the Lantern Festival night, with Emperor Guan Sheng protecting the rear of the procession. Devotees followed the palanquin, continuously setting off firecrackers along streets and alleys throughout the border region until dawn, when the palanquin finally returned to the temple. Since then, the Yanshui area became peaceful and stable. Deeply moved by Emperor Guan Sheng's manifest power, the people annually continued the tradition on the Lantern Festival, using beehive fireworks to drive away plague. This has evolved into the current beehive firework event held annually on the 14th and 15th days of the first lunar month, becoming a major local annual event. Wumiao Temple has established itself as the organizer of this deeply traditional folk art activity, writing a brilliant page in Yanshui's history. Locals believe that the more fireworks one is hit by on the Lantern Festival day, the better their fortune will be in the coming year. Therefore, according to this century-old legend, remember to prepare standard equipment such as helmets, masks, clear goggles, raincoats, and rubber shoes. Head to Yanshui Wumiao Temple before every Lantern Festival to enjoy this beehive firework carnival. The Yanshui Beehive Fireworks, often referred to alongside Pingxi Sky Lanterns as "North Sky Lanterns, South Beehive Fireworks," have become a highlight of the Lantern Festival. Custom dictates that being hit by beehive fireworks can ward off bad luck, which is why the Yanshui Beehive Fireworks always attract tens of thousands of enthusiastic participants each year, even drawing international media and friends who flock to witness it! Every year on the 14th and 15th days of the first lunar month marks the Lantern Festival firework display, a source of great pride for the people of Yanshui. Wherever the divine palanquins pass, townspeople set off firecrackers, various beehive fireworks and firecrackers soar through the sky, their sounds like thunder. The entire sky is ablaze with fireworks and enveloped in smoke, making for a sight that is both beautiful and spectacular. The streets of the entire Yanshui district are covered with firecracker paper, making the asphalt almost invisible. Visitors come from both within Taiwan and abroad, all eager to witness the lively, intense, and thrilling Lantern Festival night.