Taiwan Religious Culture Map

The Baozhong Yimin Temple in Xinpu is a shared center of faith for the Hakka community of northern Taiwan. Construction of the temple began in the winter of the 53rd year of Emperor Qianlong's reign in the Qing era (1788 CE) and was completed two years later. In the 51st year of Emperor Qianlong's reign (1786 CE), Lin Shuang-wen (1756-1788 CE) answered the call of the anti-Qing Tiandihui (Heaven and Earth Society) and took up arms against the Qing government, inciting people to rise up and join the rebellion. His northern forces took over the Tamsui Sub-prefecture (Hsinchu) and advanced towards Liuzhangli Village (the Liujia area of modern-day Zhubei). This event was known as the Lin Shuang-wen Rebellion. To protect their home from invading forces, members of the local gentry organized yimin (civilian soldier) troops to help the government quell the rebellion. After the rebellion ended, Emperor Qianlong (1711-1799 CE) bestowed a plaque reading "baozhong" or "commendable loyalty" to praise the yimin that donated their money and efforts. The local gentry buried the yimin that unfortunately lost their lives in battle in a large tomb at the site and proposed building a temple in their honor. The Yimin Festival has a long history and reflects the community organization, history, and culture of Hakka people in northern Taiwan. Centered around the worship of Yiminye (deified form of the yimin), the temple's rituals and customs showcase the distinctive Hakka arts, making the temple an important religious and cultural site that brings together Hakka people in northern Taiwan.