Point : 18 Heavenly Kings Temple |
Count:22244 |
Located by the roadside of Tamjin Road at Shihmen Town, 31 km along the No 2 Provincial Highway, there is an imposing red bridge on a section of the coast called the Wangkong Bridge. On the inner section of the former road, lies the famous 18 Heavenly Kings Temple (18 Wangkong Mio), known far and wide on the island. Next to it is the first nuclear power plant in Taiwan.
The 18 Wangkong Mio is perhaps the most popular and crowded temple in the northern region, attracting worshippers from all over the counties in Taiwan. Legend tells of the story that during the Ch’ing Dynasty, a ship carrying 17 merchants and a dog capsized off the coast of Chianhua Village in Shihmen Town. All 17 merchants perished at sea. The dog also died soon after grieving for its masters. When the villagers discovered them, they buried the bodies in a mass grave.
The grave became a shrine and villagers made offerings of incense and food on special occasions. Soon, rumors of the shrine showing divine signs began to spread and soon the burial site became one of the most popular temples on the island. The temple is especially crowded at night. The statue of the dog seems to be exceptionally shiny at night. This is because local beliefs that touching the statue will bring good luck. As such, at the eve of lottery opening day, many players would come and touch the dog for good luck, thus resulting in its shiny surface.
Address : No 1-1, Ahlipan, Chianhua Village, Shihmen Town.
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By car :
From Tanshui, go on the No 2 Provincial Route, passing Sanjr and Baisha Bay.
Another 8.7 km, you will reach the temple. It is about 35.2 km from Tanshui. |
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