Caitian Fudi (Caitian She) is a public shrine built by the Taokas (Zhuzhan) people of the Qing dynasty, founded during the Qianlong period. It is the best-preserved Plains Indigenous public worship shrine in Taiwan, designated a county historic site. Every year on the 15th day of the 9th lunar month, a traditional ancestral ceremony is held — one of the few surviving Plains Indigenous seasonal rites in Taiwan.
What to see at Caitian Fudi
Caitian Fudi is located in Xinshe Li, Zhubei City. During the Qing dynasty, Han settlers called the local Taokas people the 'Zhuzhan Tribe,' and this building served as the tribe's public shrine (place of communal worship). Having undergone several restorations, the main structure still retains its Qing-era sanheyuan (three-sided courtyard) layout. The shrine houses the Ali Zu (ancestral spirit tablet), the core of Taokas belief. The settlement around the building has become highly urbanized, making the historic site all the more precious.
The ancestral ceremony on the 15th day of the 9th lunar month is conducted by tribal descendants and preserves traditional ritual forms — a precious living cultural heritage of Plains Indigenous belief in Taiwan. Anyone wishing to observe or document the ceremony should first consult tribal members and respect their cultural sovereignty. On ordinary days, visitors can view the building's exterior and interior furnishings, and read the interpretive signs to learn about the Taokas people's history on the Hsinchu Plain.
Tips for making the most of your visit
Practical information
Getting there and timing
- By car from downtown Zhubei City toward Xinshe Li — about 10–15 minutes. Roadside parking is the main option nearby.
- Caitian Fudi is a county-designated historic site. The exterior can be viewed on regular days; interior access hours are irregular — call ahead to confirm before visiting.
Nearby connections
- Zhubei City has several Hakka cultural halls and old street settlements suitable for a half-day local cultural walk.
- Head to downtown Hsinchu to connect with City God Temple, Beimen Old Street, and other sights for a Hsinchu County–City cultural route.
Source: Text compiled from the Wikipedia article on Caitian Fudi and publicly available cultural heritage information. Please refer to the managing tribal community's latest announcements for opening times and ceremony dates. Photos pending replacement with Dio's own shots.