This is a Sea God temple in Tainan. It is also a listed historical site. It was built from the reign of Emperor Kang Xi of the Qing Dynasty, in which time Taiwan was reigned by China. After some expansion, it evolves to the commercial center governed by Sam-kau ,the largest “company” in Tainan then. At that age, temple wasn’t only a religious place, but a center of all the local community activities. Near the Shuixian Temple in Qing Dynasty is a commercial community, most of the people live there were traders importing daily necessities from China and exporting Taiwan’s agriculture products,like rice and sugar. So,Shuixian Temple is naturally evolves to a activity center or “office” of these traders,or the group(“company”) lead them,Sam-kau. In Japanese-Occupied Period of Taiwan, Sam-kau was depressed by colonial government because Sam-kau used to support rebel when Japan government wanted to create colonial power everywhere in Taiwan.Now, Shuixian Temple is only for religious use,but the fish auction around it is the largest market selling most delicious fish in Tainan. Next time or the first time you visit the temple, don’t forget to think of the history over 300 years but also have a good time with yummy sea food in the fish auction!
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