Introduction
Nestled on Kaishan Road in Tainan City, the “Yanping Junwang Temple”, also known as the Koxinga Shrine, is a significant historical landmark. Established during the Qing Dynasty's Tongzhi era, this expansive temple honors Zheng Chenggong—fondly known as Koxinga—the pioneer who reclaimed Taiwan from Dutch rule, along with his loyal officers. The temple's architecture showcases a rare and elegant Fuzhou-style design, making it a unique gem in Taiwan.
Back in 1661, Koxinga and his troops landed at Luermen, successfully ousting the Dutch and laying the groundwork for Taiwan's development as a base to restore the Ming Dynasty. He established governmental structures, promoted agriculture, and encouraged settlers from mainland China's coastal regions to cultivate the land. After his passing, admirers built temples in his honor, bestowing upon him titles like "Kaishan Wang" (King Who developed the Mountains) and "Kaishan Shengwang" (Holy King Who developed Taiwan).
In 1874, Shen Baozhen, an imperial envoy, recognized Koxinga's contributions and expanded the original Kaishan Wang Temple into the current Fuzhou-style structure, inscribing "Yanping Junwang Temple" above the main entrance.
The temple houses numerous precious artifacts, notably Qing Dynasty couplets penned by Shen Baozhen himself, reflecting profound historical significance. Adjacent to the temple, the Tainan Ethnic Cultural Relics Museum offers a treasure trove of Tainan's cultural artifacts, including street signs, traditional bedding, land deeds, and old currency, providing a window into the daily lives of past generations. Visitors can explore the temple free of charge. For those intrigued by Koxinga's legacy and Taiwan's rich history, this site is well worth a visit.
