Dadaocheng Xiahai-Chenghuang Temple

Its festival processions are major local events and are closely linked with the development of Dadaocheng. The main deity is the Xiahai Chenghuang (City God). Also worshipped are his two judges (civil and military) and Generals Xie and Fan (known as Qiye and Baye), with the 38 Yiyong Gong. Other figures include the City God's wife, the eight officials, the eight generals, Mashiye and Yuexia Laoren (the Old Man under the Moon). Besides the City God, visitors come especially to pray to Yuelao, and couples come back with wedding cakes to give thanks. The most sought-after item is the 'husband-taming shoes' (also called 'happiness shoes'), a well-known love charm in Taipei. According to legend, the City God is about 70 years older than his wife and dotes on her as an old husband dotes on a young wife, so people believe the divine couple can bring happiness to families. This is the origin of the shoes. There is also a local legend of a miracle. In 1884, during the Sino-French War, French forces attacked Taiwan and the people of Taipei came here to pray for the City God's protection. The god is said to have shown his power: the French got no further than Wudu, where they were defeated, and never took Taipei. For this reason the people honour the Xiahai City God with the title Weiling Gong.

Translated and shortened by DealTaipei from Taiwan's national tourism database. Sources are on the terms page.