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Cheng
Huang Temple (City God Temple)
Cheng Huang Temple, constructed in
1748, is the largest temple in Taiwan.
There is a large abacus hanging from
the roof of the Temple, which is said
to "calculate" the sins
of people. This process is described
on the Chinese couplet hanging besides
the abacus with the saying ˇ§it is
needless to calculate secular results,
the City God will do it for you.ˇ¨
City Godˇ¦s hold the highest reverence
among all Taiwan gods and are equal
to the Governor in Hades. If you go
to Hsinchu without visiting City God
Temple, you will anger the City God.
A trip to the Temple must include
a taste of some local snacks such
as rice noodles, gong wan (pork balls),
and pork stuffed dumplings, which
are available near the Temple. There
is also a local custom that after
visiting the temple you should try
to complete the "Five Tests"
which involves eating five Hsinchu
snacks in front of the temple, all
at the same time.
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