Detailed Introduction
The Qingshan King Festival is Wanhua's grandest annual religious event, held from the 20th to 22nd of the 10th lunar month. It is one of Taipei's 'Three Great Temple Festivals' and Northern Taiwan's most iconic nighttime religious celebration.
**Qingshan King**: Originally Zhang Gun, a Tang Dynasty county magistrate who sacrificed himself to protect his people. Like a City God, he oversees spiritual justice, investigating good and evil and driving away plagues.
**Three-Day Festival**:
- Day 1 (Night Patrol): The deity's palanquin patrols Wanhua's alleys at night, led by Eight Generals and other troupes, investigating supernatural injustices. The torchlit atmosphere is solemn and electrifying.
- Day 2 (Second Night Patrol): A different route ensures the entire district is protected. Local temple troupes join, making it even grander.
- Day 3 (Grand Procession): The deity's birthday features a massive daytime parade with elaborately decorated floats (yi-ge), traditional performance troupes, and firecrackers.
**Performance Troupes**: The festival showcases traditional arts including Bajiajiang (Eight Generals with painted faces), Guan Jiang Shou (Officers of the Underworld), Songjiang Battle Array, and lion dance troupes — each with unique choreography and cultural significance.
**Modern Development**: The festival has become a window for international visitors to experience Taiwanese temple culture, now incorporating creative markets, guided tours, and local business collaborations.