About the temple

Address:No. 12, Section 1, Xiulang Road, Yonghe District, New Taipei City, Taiwan

Established:

According to local elderly, the temple was established in 1672, and 2019 marked its three hundred and thirty sixth year after it was first build on Xiulang Road. It is the oldest Fude Temple in Yonghe.

The origin of ‘Dianzai Street’:

Three hundred years ago, Yonghe was inhabited by the Xiulang Community of Pingpu Tribe. At that time, trades between Wanhua and Yonghe districts relied on boats traveling on Xindien River. After stopping at Yonghe, traders would do business in the opening area next to Fude Temple. Years later, many people started to open up shops. During the Qing Dynasty, there were about ten shops on the block, and hence the name ‘Dianzai Street’ (street of small shops) was given. This area became the first business settlement in Yonghe, and locals would do their shopping there.

Chen Ming-Deng, resident of Yonghe, said, “Dianzai Street was a street that sold rice, oil, commodities, and tea to farmers living in the region.”

｜Photo: The Wondrous Temple Expedition｜

Fude Temple on Dianzai Street:

｜Photo：Yonghe Community College Information Club｜

There is a saying, ‘Wherever there is land, there is Earth God taking care of the people.’ Fude Temple on Dianzai Street used to be a small temple on the side of the road. After Earth God demonstrated his divine power, locals and business travelers became followers, and the temple quickly became a religious center. Legend has it that Fude Temple on Dianzai Street was also known as the temple for traders and businesses because lots of shop owners come to pray for blessing.

With the change of time, Yonghe became a densely populated suburb. Fude Temple on Dianzai Street had gone through numerous renovations and additions to include more gods to protect the locals. The temple has a strong group of loyal followers, and people asked for blessings in wealth, longevity, school, and marriage. Even though the temple is hidden in an alley, its strong followership is not to be over looked. On the second day of the second month on the lunar calendar, locals would gather to celebrate Earth God’s birthday with sumptuous offerings and devoted prayers at Fude Temple on Dianzai Street.

Video

Source Text: The Wondrous Temple Expedition｜Photos: The Wondrous Temple Expedition
Reference: Interviews with people at Fude Temple on Dianzai Street PeoPo Citizen Journalism – Series Report on Recounting The History of Yonghe – Fude Temple on Dianzai Street – https://www.peopo.org/news/314289 Stories of the City by Volunteering Guides (2017) Strolling in Yonghe and Zhonghe – Stories of the City Published by Open Learning Publishing