The San-shan King (Three Mountains King) first appeared in the "Chaozhou Fu Zhi" published during the Jiaqing period of the Ming dynasty. However, after the Qing Dynasty, there are few records related to this deity in Hakka culture literature. The San-shan King Temple, located on Ximen Road in the North District of Tainan City, was built in the 7th year of the Qianlong era (1742). The temple is also known as the Chao-Shan Guild Hall and is a second-level historic site. It is the only temple in Taiwan built in the full Guangdong style, making it a rare and valuable sight! The temple was constructed with joint contributions from Guangdong Chaozhou officials and civilians during the Qing Dynasty. It primarily worships the Three Mountain Gods. The temple's architecture is exquisite, with a roof featuring straight ridges and slightly upturned ends, decorated with rich-colored porcelain tiles, and vivid images. The temple itself has a detailed and refined appearance. It is built in a three-hall, three-courtyard style, with the central hall dedicated to the worship of the Three Mountain Kings: Jinshan, Mingshan, and Dushan. During the Qianlong period, two additional halls were added: one dedicated to the worship of the famous Han Scholar, Han Chang-li, and the other to the worship of Mazu, the Sea Goddess. The Three Mountain Gods are intangible, nature gods and mountain gods, not immortals or deities of human origin. However, the Three Mountain Gods are believed to have performed miraculous deeds, making them deeply revered by the Hakka people. Despite multiple theories about the origins of the San-shan King Temple, the most important aspect is the sincere devotion of the worshippers. As a result, the temple has continued to prosper, with incense offerings flourishing in San-shan King Temples across Taiwan to this day.

Attraction Information:

Phone: +886-6-2204578

Address: No. 100, Section 3, Ximen Road, North District, Tainan City

Operating Hours: 06:00~21:00

Transportation Information:

Public Transportation

Train: From Tainan Railway Station → Transfer to Tainan City Bus No. 7 → Get off at Liren Elementary School Station → Walk to the destination.

Self-Driving

National Highway No. 1 → Xinshi Interchange → Take Taiwan Route 1 towards the city → Ximen Road → Arrive at the destination.