Bangka Qingshan Temple

This narrow, deep temple wedged into Guiyang Street belongs to one of the most feared gods in Wanhua: King Qingshan, protector against epidemics.

1A god against the plague

In 1854 an epidemic struck Bangka. Fishermen from Hui'an in Fujian then brought over the image of their protector, King Qingshan, identified with Zhang Gun, a general who, according to local chronicles, defended the Hui'an coast against pirates. He first had a small shrine on the old street; the present temple was begun in 1856 and completed in 1859.

According to a popular version, as the statue was carried past this spot it became so heavy that the bearers could go no further: the god had chosen his home.

2The night patrol

Every year, in the tenth month of the lunar calendar, which usually falls in November or December, the god's festival is held. On the two nights before the great parade, his palanquin sets out on a night procession called anfang, to inspect the worlds of the living and the dead: by belief, he hears the complaints of wronged souls and captures evil spirits. He is escorted by the Eight Generals, with painted faces. When passing the temples of other groups, the procession puts out its lights and speeds up. On its return, the palanquin enters the temple backwards.

This procession has been protected as intangible cultural heritage since 2010.

3What to look for

• The octagonal ceiling of carved wood in the entrance hall.
• The Japanese-style stone lions, from the 1938 renovation.
• The Eight Generals and the judges of the underworld on the side altars.