Introduction:
Taiwan's First Temple of Heaven (Tiangong Temple), primarily dedicated to the worship of the Jade Emperor, was established in 1854 (the 4th year of the Xianfeng reign in the Qing Dynasty). Commonly known as Tiangong Temple, it stands as an enduring testament to intricate craftsmanship. Despite its age, the temple remains unsurpassed in Tainan due to its exquisite construction. The fusion of traditional and newer artisan techniques is clearly visible, making the temple still shine gloriously more than a century later. It has been designated as a Level-3 Historic Monument.
In the architectural landscape of Tainan's historic temples, boar sculptures are quite common. Their simple lines nonetheless convey a sense of grandeur and divine presence. Wooden carvings of dragons, phoenixes, birds, and beasts are abundant throughout the temple, showcasing an outstanding level of artistry. The temple's painted beams are another exceptional feature.
Among all these treasures, the most unique is the "Single Character Plaque" ("一"), which symbolizes the profound meaning: "No matter how carefully one calculates, nothing surpasses Heaven's plan." Beside it, the inscription reads: "All human scheming is in vain, for Heaven's principles are clear and cannot be deceived. No matter how thorough your plans may be, blessings or misfortunes are hard to alter…" This plaque, praised as one of the Three Great Plaques of Fucheng (Tainan), is a must-see for visitors.
