臺北市政府文化局

Towering by the century-old Fude Temple in Xiaokeng is a remarkable tree, eight stories high and with a canopy spanning up to 250m2 . The shady area has served as an open-air pavilion for local residents for over a hundred years, with people freely coming and going, chatting leisurely from morning till night. The ancient tree is believed to have been planted during the mid-19th century during the reign of the Daoguang Emperor during the Qing dynasty, and it has since become a symbol of longevity. 

The pioneers who first cultivated this land were descendants of the Zheng clan who still reside here today, jointly managing the Tudigong temple with Zhang and Gao descendants. Inside Fude Temple, three divine statues are enshrined, each made from different materials and completed in different eras: a human[1]shaped stone, a stone-carved statue, and a wooden statue. The human-shaped stone, known as “Stone Tudigong”, was discovered by early settlers. The stone statue was carved by devotees as an offering to the gods. However, the Tudigong did not wish to be replaced, so the stone statue was placed beside him. The last to be completed, the wooden statue, now shares the incense offerings alongside the other two. 

This temple is located at the end of a trail known as the Xiaokeng Creek Literary Trail, named for the abundant poetic landscapes on either side. Apart from the natural scenery and wildlife, the trail takes full advantage of its location by the creek with the installation of waterside steps. Occasionally, families with children play in the stream, the clear waters of which are home to schools of fish and shrimp, making this a uniquely attractive trail.