Nantou Zhi'nan Temple City God Birthday Procession and Blessing Ceremony — Hsu Shu-Hua Lights the Starting Firecracker

The 15th day of the 6th lunar month marks the birthday of the City God, a sacred occasion celebrated annually at Zhi'nan Temple in Nantou City. With a history spanning over six decades, the City God Birthday procession and blessing ceremony has become one of the region’s most important religious events, often referred to as 'Nantou City’s Little New Year.'

On the afternoon of the 28th, County Magistrate Hsu Shu-Hua visited Zhi'nan Temple to offer incense and prayers. She lit the ceremonial 'starting horse cannon' (qima pao) and personally assisted in lifting the deity’s palanquin, officially launching the annual procession. She prayed for favorable weather, peace, and safety throughout the county.

Hsu emphasized that the City God procession is not only a representative folk tradition of Nantou City but also a vital festival that unites local faith, culture, and community spirit. Each year, it draws large crowds of worshippers and returning residents. The nighttime巡行 is especially vibrant, fostering a lively night market and文创 culture that highlights the region’s rich religious heritage. Hsu affirmed the county government’s ongoing support for preserving religious traditions and local cultural events, ensuring their continuity while promoting tourism and local economic development.

Accompanied by Temple Chairman Chang Hsi-Tsun, Magistrate Hsu entered the temple, offered incense, and prayed devoutly to the City God. She then joined County Councilors Lin Ju-Yang, Chang Hsiu-Chih, Chang Wan-Tzu, Shen Su-Cheng, Nantou Mayor Chang Chia-Che, and several community representatives and village chiefs in lighting the starting cannon and escorting the palanquin as it began its annual journey.

The procession commenced amid the thunderous sounds of gongs, drums, and firecrackers. Led by the Ox-Head and Horse-Face guardians, followed by the Seventh and Eighth Generals and the Eight Divine Generals, the parade included drum troupes, ornate float vehicles, and various traditional performance groups. They marched through major streets in Nantou City, with worshippers and shop owners along the route setting up incense altars to welcome the deity and pray for family safety. The streets were filled with a festive and deeply spiritual atmosphere.

Coinciding with the City God’s birthday celebrations, the popular 'Zhongshan Street Market' was held over four consecutive days from July 25 to 28, taking advantage of the weekend. The street was closed to traffic and filled with local delicacies,文创 stalls, and vibrant cultural performances, attracting numerous visitors. The market’s most iconic feature—the affordable umbrella stalls—remained a must-visit and must-buy attraction, enhancing the festive temple fair ambiance across Nantou City. The event significantly boosted local tourism and commercial activity, bringing both foot traffic and economic benefits to the area.