Xiahai City God Temple

A small but famous temple on historic Dihua Street, dedicated to the City God and, more popularly, to the matchmaking deity known as the Old Man Under the Moon. Founded in the mid-nineteenth century by merchants, it draws crowds of hopeful visitors who leave offerings and pray for love and marriage. Despite its compact single hall, it houses hundreds of statues packed into a jewel-like, incense-fogged interior. The temple anchors an annual City God festival with one of Taipei's oldest religious processions.