[ Construction Date] Ca. 1660-1680.
Tainan's Kuan-ti Temple, located to the south of Fort Provintia, and the Temple of Civic Culture(Wen-miao)represent two of the most completely preserved and beautifully constructed temples in the old provincial capital. Originally established before the Ch'ing dynasty assumed jurisdiction over Taiwan, the present-day structure of the Kuan-ti Temple follows the layout of the temple as it was rebuilt during the closing years of the K'ang-hsi period(1662-1722).In 1727 the temple was designated as the site for official sacrifices, or Ssu-tien; hence its current popular designation is Ssu-tien Wu-miao, the Kuan-ti Temple for Official Sacrifices. The important rites of offering sacrifices are held in spring and autumn. This temple ranks as the supremely dominant among the many Kuan Kung shrines of Taiwan.
The temple interior displays effective use of long narrow space. In this view through the gate of the Forehall may be seen three ceremonial tablets(suspended above and to the sides of the entrance to the open courtyard leading to Main Hall) presented by emperors of the Ch'ing dynasty. Also in the hall are two ancient stone stelae.
Schematic view of the temple's Main Hall; a special feature is the use of a double-layered roof in part of the construction.
1.Courtyard.
2.lmperial Way used for the deity's sedan chair to be carried along in processions.
3.Side-wall.
4.Awning-style roof over Hall of Worship.
5.Bracket.
6.Lower eave.
7.Upper eave.
8.Wall-lock.
9.Roof-ornaments: a pair of dragons in their worship of a pagoda.