Chenghuang Temple | Home of Hsinchu City God | Zanne Xanne’s Travel Guide

Hsinchu Chenghuang Temple (城隍庙), dedicated to Chenghuang or also known as City God was built during the period of the Kingdom of Tungning. The local often visit Chenghuang Temple (城隍庙) to pray for better lives, health and to avoid flooding and drought.

There are 3 MAIN REASONS that people often visit Chenghuang Temple (城隍庙):

WORSHIP

Chenghuang Temple (城隍庙) is a center for worship in Hsinchu located at the center of Taiwan. Chenghuang Temple (城隍庙) was an important place of worship during the Japanese colonial era from 1895-1945.

People often visit Chenghuang Temple (城隍庙) to pray for better lives, health and to avoid flooding and drought. The temple seems to gain popularity by answering the prayers of the faithful worship. Believer may buy some tributes from the stalls in front of the temple during the prayers too.

ART & CULTURE

Chenghuang Temple (城隍庙) dates from 1644-1911 and the renovation was under Japanese rule added many works by renowned artist of the time, including stone & wood sculptures, dragon columns, bluestone of guardian lions, door gods, a plaque from the Emperor, couplets and octagonal caisson ceiling in the Sanchuan Hall. Each piece of designs are meticulously made and having great artistic value over the years.

Chenghuang Temple (城隍庙) is also an interesting and fascinating temple that has 12 festival celebrations in a year. Among the festival celebration, Chuchang Zhongyuan City God Festival, the confession and blessing ritual are the famous festival in Chenghuang Temple (城隍庙) among others. There will be a parade going on the street of Hsinchu too during Chuchang Zhongyuan City God Festival.

FOOD

Visitors mainly visit Chenghuang Temple (城隍庙) for their famous fish ball soup (贡丸汤), meatball (肉圆) and vermicelli noodles (炒米粉) too. 

A Cheng Hao (阿城号) is one of the famous hawker stalls that has a long history of selling fish ball soup and vermicelli noodles around Chenghuang Temple (城隍庙). However, the stall was closed when I visited Chenghuang Temple (城隍庙).

Nevertheless, you may try another hawker stall for the similar fish ball soup and Hsinchu’s vermicelli noodles at Yuan Zu Lin Geng (元祖林羹).

Remember not to forget to try one of the famous and long history of pancakes at Yuan Zu Run Bing (元祖润饼) since 1906 too.

OVERALL THOUGHT

Chenghuang Temple (城隍庙) is located inside of Hsinchu market and visitors are required to walk through plenty of hawker stalls before reaching the temple itself. It was less crowded during COVID 19 pandemic, hence some of the stalls were closed. Nevertheless, it’s a fascinating trip for me where I can explore the history, art & culture of the temple itself, and also got to try their local signature food around Chenghuang Temple (城隍庙) with reasonable price too! 

RATING
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