Yunlin Sihhu Xiagui Mountain Zhangbao Temple Restoration Project Commences, Expected Completion March 2028

On April 13, 2026, the Yunlin County Cultural Affairs Department held the groundbreaking ceremony for the restoration project of Zhangbao Temple, a Yunlin County Designated Historic Site located in Sihhu Xiagui Mountain. The total project cost is NT$60 million, including funding from the Local Revitalization Project. Yunlin County Magistrate Chang Li-shan, KMT Legislators Chang Chia-chun and Ding Hsueh-chung, and Zhangbao Temple Chairman Wu Hsin-min attended the ceremony. The Cultural Affairs Department stated that Zhangbao Temple features works by several important craftsmen, including approximately 140 beam paintings by Chen Shou-yi, making it the second-largest collection of his preserved works in Taiwan, after Siansing Temple in Sanchong, New Taipei City. The large wooden structures were designed by Zhangzhou-school master Chen Zhuan-lin, with Xu Ze-nan assisting in completion and supervision. The temple's clay sculptures and dragon pillars were crafted by Wu Qian. The temple was registered as a Yunlin County Designated Historic Site in 2016. Magistrate Chang Li-shan noted that the NT$60 million project includes a NT$54 million subsidy from the National Development Council's Local Revitalization Project, with NT$3 million contributed by both the county government and the temple. The project is expected to be completed in March 2028. Yunlin County Councilor Su Kuo-lung (independent) highlighted that the approximately 50-year-old temple has severe water leaks, damp wooden structures, cracks, and insect damage, with Chen Shou-yi's painted works also damaged by bird droppings and leaks. The restoration is a result of efforts by the temple and the Cultural Affairs Department to secure central government funding. Cultural Affairs Department Director Hsieh Ming-hsuan explained that the restoration will adhere to cultural heritage restoration principles of 'minimal intervention, reversibility, original appearance preservation, and historical identifiability.' It will combine traditional craftsmanship with appropriate modern techniques to repair the roof, wooden components, and walls, ensuring structural safety and resolving water leakage. Precious artworks such as paintings, clay sculptures, and cut-and-paste ceramics will be restored by professional conservators and artisans to revive the temple's original appearance and historical characteristics. The Cultural Affairs Department added that after completion, the project aims to connect Sihhu Township and Beigang Township, focusing on the 'activation of religious cultural heritage sites.' This will involve local revitalization talent cultivation, including traditional craft design workshops, co-learning tours, and craft introductory lecture series. The goal is to establish and market local temple craft culture through intergenerational collaboration, developing cultural industries that empower youth.