Zushi Temple

Zushi Temple was first built during the Qing Dynasty in 1767 by Hokkien immigrants from Anxi County, Quanzhou Municipality, Fujian Province in China. It has been reconstructed three times. Its last reconstruction, started in 1947, is best known for being the masterpiece of renowned Taiwanese artist, Li Meishu.

Every sixth day of the first month of the Chinese lunar calendar on Zushi-Gong's birthday, Zushi Temple holds a Pigs of God (神豬) Contest. Farmers compete to raise the fattest pig, which during the competition day, the pig is decorated with ornaments. The fattest pig is then sacrificed to Zushi-Gong. In the past few years, this tradition has been met with disapproval by animal rights activists. While the majority of temples that practice this rite have started using symbolic pigs, Zushi Temple in Sanxia still continues the tradition of using a live pig.

Unique among temples, all of the walls and columns of Zushi Temple are sculpted from stone. The details are also carved with a wide variety of styles from ancient to modern, or even western-influenced, due to the western art education of Li Meishu.

The temple is accessible south of Yingge Station of Taiwan Railways.

• Religion in Taiwan

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  Inner Court of Zushi Temple
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  Inner Court of Zushi Temple
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  Beam Details on Zushi Temple
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  Roof Details above entrance
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  Roof ornamentation
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  One of the works by Li Meishu
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  Window Details. The fish design forms a Yin Yang symbol, surrounded by Bagua symbol.
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  Every column is carved with a different design.
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  Painting-like carvings on the walls.
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  Altar in temple
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  Ceiling in temple
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  Prayer papers for temple worshippers

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Zushih Temple.

• The Art of Zushi Temple
• Photographs of Zushi Temple on Flickr