臺北市政府文化局

In front of Changsha Park, not far from Qingshan Temple in Monga, stands a modest temple. Located at the intersection of Changsha Street and Huanhe South Road, this small temple is dedicated to Fude Zhengshen, or Earth God, as indicated by the sign reading “Fude Temple”. But why is this Earth God temple located by the riverside?

According to records, goods were unloaded at the Dock 1 and delivered to Fanshu Market, the busiest market in Monga. The market got its name from the trade of sweet potatoes (fanshu in Chinese) between Han settlers and indigenous Plains people in the Guiyang Street area. As the settlement took root and grew, immigrants built Monga’s first Earth God temple at No. 119 Xichang Street, the Fude Temple we see today.

In 1979, to a road-widening project on Xichang Street meant that the temple, which was originally located in the middle of the new road layout, was slated for demolition. Thanks to the efforts of local residents, it was preserved and eventually relocated to its current site in Changsha Park in 1983.

The relocation was made possible with the help of then-mayor of Taipei Lee Teng-hui. After the project’s completion, locals invited Lee to the temple. City Councillor Lin Hongxi joked that the Earth God would give Lee his blessing and he would become president, a story that is still told in the community.

Though small in size, the temple throngs with worshippers. Notably, the Tiger Lord figure positioned to the left of and below the Earth God is traditionally believed to bring prosperity and fulfil wishes, making it a focal point for prayers. Behind the temple in Changsha Park, a stele marks the site of the former Fanshu Market, offering a glimpse into the bustling sweet potato trade of bygone days. This rich history helps us imagine the lively scenes that once surrounded Fude Temple.