Southern Taiwan - Taiwan - page 497

They were created by Master Yeh Wang (see Koji Ceramic Museum, Click here ) and
are calledThe Fool Crouching to Raise the House.
About 5km north of Jiali, in the town of Xuejia, the Ciji Temple (Cíjì Gōng; 170 Jisheng
Rd, 170) protects more of the remaining works of Master Yeh Wang. The beautiful
works are collected in a four-storey museum (admission free; 8.30am-noon & 2-5pm)
beside the temple. Ciji itself is a lovely southern-style temple, with a graceful swal-
lowtail roof and stone work and woodcarvings from the 19th century.
From Xuejia, head coastwards for Provincial Hwy 17 and you'll reach Nankunshen
Temple (Nánkūnshēn Dàitiān Fǔ) within 15 minutes. Established in 1662, this
temple is the centre of Wang Yeh worship (don't confuse these gods with Master
Yeh Wang). The size of Nankunshen is the direct result of rivalry with a local upstart
over who had paramount status in the world of Wang Yeh. Nankunshen won.
On most Sundays the temple explodes with exuberant displays of ritual devo-
tion: there are fireworks, parades and chanting. If possible, try to visit during the
Welcoming Festival for Wang Yeh (20 April, lunar calendar).
Madou Temple (Mádòu Dàitiānfǔ) in Madou, 15km southeast of Xuejia, is the
nearest rival of Nankunshen. What you see today comes from 1956 onwards (the
original temple dates back to the Ming dynasty) and all Tainanese can claim a com-
mon childhood memory of receiving an unorthodox moral education inside the
garish, gigantic dragon behind the main temple. To re-create what they went
through, pay NT$40 to go to hell from the dragon's tail, or to ascend to heaven
from its mouth. The experience beats Singapore's Tiger Balm Villa as the demons
here don't stay still; it's so kitsch it's fun.
Entertainment
Art-house movies and documentaries are shown nightly except Monday at the Municipal
Film Archives ( Click here ) .
Dog Pig Art Cafe has alternative theatre and documentary showings at weekends. Pi-
er-2 Art District ( Click here ) is often the site of concerts and outdoor performances. Pick
up a seasonal events calendar at the visitor centre.
Shopping
Shiquan Road Flea Market MARKET