Three Centuries of Sacred Guardianship
From a single sacred image carried by Qing-era immigrants, to Taiwan's oldest place of Yue Wumu Wang worship — Jingzhong Temple holds within its walls the faith, sacrifice, and deep love of generations.
The origins of Datan Jingzhong Temple trace back to the Qing Dynasty, when the Lin clan crossed the Taiwan Strait from Nanjing County (南靖縣), Fujian Province. They settled in what was historically known as 'Tanzianqian'—today's Datan Village. Among their most treasured possessions was a sacred image of Yue Wumu Wang.
The founding ancestor, Lin Qizhou, carried the statue to ensure safe passage and survival in the new frontier. This act provided early settlers with 'Spiritual Insurance', helping them establish roots in a land rife with disease and conflict while upholding the values of loyalty and filial piety.
What began as a simple thatched shelter was formally established as a temple in 1923, becoming the first and oldest temple dedicated to Yue Fei in Taiwan. Each reconstruction was a testament to the growing faith of an entire community.
The village operates under a 'Celestial Civil Service'. While Yue Wumu Wang serves as the regional protector, the Fude Temple (renovated in 2000) houses the Land God who handles daily neighborhood affairs. Environmental guardianship is entrusted to the Songwang Temple (formalized in 1975), where the Pine King and Mango King are revered following the collapse of an ancient tree.
Furthermore, the village demonstrated profound compassion by taking in the 'refugee' deities of Haifeng Village—such as the Sanwang Gong—after Haifeng Village was disbanded during the Japanese colonial era. This act dispelled myths surrounding 'Yin Shen' (shadow deities), turning wandering spirits into fierce local guardians and proving the community's inclusive spirit.
Main Hall Shrine
The central hall enshrines the gilded image of Yue Wumu Wang. Elaborately carved dragon columns flank the altar, their gold and crimson lacquer gleaming in the light of perpetual lamps.
Sanchuan Gate Hall
The entrance gate hall is built in traditional Southern Fujian style, with soaring swallowtail ridgelines and vivid hand-painted jiǎozhī pottery reliefs depicting scenes from history and mythology.
Historical Plaques
The temple preserves a collection of antique plaques presented by officials and devotees across multiple dynasties — each one a document of the temple's historical recognition and enduring authority.
The Heart of the Community
Jingzhong Temple has never been merely a place of worship. For three centuries, it has been Datan's meeting hall, mediation center, cultural school, and the playground where every child in the village has grown up playing in its forecourt.
During temple festivals, villagers working far away across Taiwan return home. The temple becomes a bridge — between people and their land, between the living and their ancestors.