Celebrating the Birthday of Lord Guan — Li Sichuan Visits Xinzhuang Wusheng Temple: Upholding Loyalty and Reviving the Temple Street’s Glory

On the lunar calendar date of June 24—the birthday of Lord Guan—KMT New Taipei mayoral candidate Li Sichuan visited the historic Xinzhuang Wusheng Temple, which boasts over 260 years of history, on the morning of the 6th to participate in the annual Autumn Triple Offering Ceremony. He devoutly offered prayers and blessings to Lord Guan, praying for favorable weather, the safety and health of citizens, and a prosperous life in New Taipei City. He also expressed hope that the spirit of loyalty and righteousness would continue to serve as a vital force for social stability and local development.

Li Sichuan arrived nearly 20 minutes before the ceremony began, personally greeting temple officials and devotees alongside Chairman Lin Haohui. Many locals approached him spontaneously for handshakes, photos, and offered enthusiastic support, creating a warm and lively atmosphere. Attendees included New Taipei City Council Speaker Jiang Genhuang, Taoist Association of Taiwan President Hsieh Jung-shou, New Taipei City Councilor Tsai Chien-tang, and council candidate Wang Pei-yu, lending the event a solemn and dignified tone.

Li stated that Lord Guan has been deeply revered by the people for centuries—not only as a significant religious symbol but also as an embodiment of loyalty, integrity, promise-keeping, and righteousness. These values remain worthy of learning and passing down through generations.

He noted that every year on Lord Guan’s birthday, numerous believers gather at Wusheng Temple, demonstrating the unifying power of religious faith and ensuring the continuity of traditional culture across generations. He expressed gratitude for Lord Guan’s protection over New Taipei’s peace and prosperity, and commended Wusheng Temple for its long-standing commitment to charity, cultural preservation, and community service—concrete actions that embody the spirit of 'loyalty, filial piety, integrity, and righteousness,' solidifying its role as a central pillar of local faith.

With a history of 266 years, Xinzhuang Wusheng Temple stands alongside Ciyu Temple and Guangfu Temple as one of the 'Three Great Temples of Xinzhuang,' bearing witness to the region’s historical prominence during the era of 'One Fujian, Two Lukang, Three Xinzhuang.' It remains a key cultural landmark in Xinzhuang.

Just two days prior, Li visited Xinzhuang’s temple street, engaging in in-depth conversations with local shop owners and cultural historians. He was deeply impressed by their efforts to preserve historical heritage and develop distinctive industries, further recognizing the rich cultural depth and tourism potential embedded in the temple street.

If given the opportunity to lead the city government, Li pledged to collaborate closely with local temples, cultural workers, and business associations to integrate cultural, tourism, and industrial resources. He aims to revitalize historic districts by blending religious culture, traditional crafts, and local characteristics, attracting more domestic and international visitors to explore Xinzhuang’s human stories and heritage. This initiative seeks to boost commercial development and local economies, allowing the century-old temple street to once again shine with its former glory.