Sanshan Guowang (Three Mountain Kings)

Legend identifies the Three Kings as three sworn brothers — Lian Jie (King of Jin Mountain), Zhao Xuan (King of Ming Mountain), and Qiao Jun (King of Du Mountain) — righteous men from the late Sui Dynasty who protected their communities from bandits. When Song Dynasty founder Zhao Kuangyin established his empire, the three mountain spirits miraculously aided his campaigns, earning them the royal title 'Three Mountain Kings' and an imperially sanctioned temple. Another interpretation sees them as ancient nature spirits personified through centuries of imperial honors. For Hakka people, the Three Kings are the most intimate guardian deities — wherever they migrated, they carried the incense. During Qing-era ethnic conflicts in Taiwan, Sanshan Guowang temples often served as defensive strongholds for Hakka settlements, intertwining the faith with Hakka collective memory.

Sanshan Guowang worship retains many distinctive Hakka ritual traditions. Devotees offer the Three Sacrificial Animals (pork, chicken, fish), fruits, and tea wine, with pork being the most important offering — reflecting a Hakka emphasis on substantive sacrifices. Worshippers first offer incense at the main heaven burner, then pray to the Great King, Second King, and Third King in order. Hakka Sanshan Guowang temples typically co-enshrine other deities like Han Wengong (Han Yu) and Bo Gong (Earth God). On the deity's birthday (25th of 2nd lunar month), temples hold "King's Birthday" celebrations featuring Hakka Bayin (Eight Sounds) music ensembles and traditional opera. Some temples maintain the tradition of selecting an "Incense Master" by casting divination blocks.

The 25th day of the 2nd lunar month — the birthday of the Three Mountain Kings — is the most important festival at Sanshan Guowang temples. Celebrations at Hsinchu and Pingtung Jiuru temples are especially grand, combining Hakka cultural performances, Bayin music concerts, and Hakka cuisine. During major festival years (every three to five years), some temples organize "King's Procession" parades through Hakka villages, with households setting up incense tables along the route. In the Liudui region (Kaohsiung Meinong and Pingtung), Sanshan Guowang temples coordinate with the "Liudui Carnival" for joint celebrations, making it southern Taiwan's premier Hakka cultural event.