Pingtung -- History and Heritage

Confucius Temple

Cifeng Temple

Built in the second year of Emperor Qianlong's reign (1737) and dedicated to Mazu, Cifeng Temple is the oldest and biggest temple in Pingtung. It has been renovated and rebuilt numerous times. After a fire burnt down it's front and back halls in 1995, Cifeng Temple was rebuilt to look as magnificent and resplendent as it does today.

In an effort to reveal the beauty of battle array, Cifeng Temple has held annual contests of Ba Jia Jiang (Eight Infernal Generals) and Guan Jiang Shou (Head Police in the World of Dead), which is one of the local signature activities, between November and December for nine years as of 2012. The Eight Infernal Generals, part of the battle array culture, are not only responsible for arresting evil spirits but also represent the aesthetics of facial makeup, martial arts and dance. Recently, the negative image that Ba Jia Jiang troupes are mostly composed of teenage gangsters has been changed; now, the battle array culture in Taiwan is regarded as an art. Come to Cifeng Temple to appreciate the charm of the battle array and be stunned by the overwhelming performance on site!

Fufeng Temple

Located on Fuzhou Street, Fufeng Temple was built in 1936 by immigrants from Penghu. It is mainly dedicated to Wang Ye of Xue Wan Chi, the main religious figure in Lintou Village, Penghu.

Fufeng Temple is small but delicate. It features swallow-tail roof ridges that reveal the unique style of southern Taiwan. The eaves are made with glazed tiles used after it was rebuilt. On the walls of both sides are lifelike koji pottery sculptures of the heroes of the Three Kingdoms period. Other dragon and tiger carvings and ceramic applique are vivid as well, attesting to exquisite craftsmanship. Inside the temple are paintings by masters, thereby making the temple even more valuable. Moreover, people can stroll around the square in front of the temple and appreciate the architecture that is full of the Penghu culture brought by the immigrants.

Wanchin Basilica

Wanchin Basilica was built in ca. 1870 by Catholics from A-Ligang ( today's Ligang Township). After several renovations and reconstructions, the building underwent it's final design in 1921 and has remained unchanged since then. Wanchin Basilica is a Gothic style building. It's facade has a peaked-rood and features a tripartite structure similar to that of the Arc de Triomphe. With the gate as the central part, the right and left parts of the facade are symmetrical. This, plus the pitched roof and the lofty tower, endows the basilica with a sense of solemnness and sacredness. It is also a popular site for taking wedding photos.

Confucius Temple (Pingtung Academy)

Pingtung Academy was built in the 20th year of Emperor Jiaqing's reign (1815), and it is the only academy building in Pingtung. It was rebuilt as Confucius Temple during Japanese rule. In front of the academy stands a screen wall called "Jiu Ren Gong Qiang" (Wall of Supreme Knowledge). The interior of the academy is divided into front and back halls as well as east and west wing rooms, and there are left and right wing rooms in the back hall. The overall layout is quite complete. With it's orange-red walls and exquisite swallow-tail roof ridges, Pingtung Academy exudes a rich nostalgic ambience. Moreover, it is also a third-level historical site.