Travel Date: 2021/08/14
In Tainan, it was still raining, but the weather in Yunlin was quite nice. We drove from Huwei to Erlun, a small town where, aside from the Story House, there isn't much to see.
Erlun Story House (二崙故事屋)
Erlun Story House is located in the old Erlun Police Station, which was built in 1899. It is the oldest police station in Yunlin County and holds great historical value. It played a crucial role in the policing history of Yunlin County and the development of Erlun Township. The preservation of the Erlun branch station not only showcases the development of the police system during the Japanese Occupation period but also its long-term contribution to maintaining public order in Erlun and the surrounding villages. In 2005, it was registered as a county historic building. Since January 2014, the site has been revitalized and transformed into the Erlun Story House, serving as a community cultural base for sharing, recording, organizing, and creating local stories.
The opening hours are as follows:
Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays, and national holidays: 09:00-17:00
Saturdays: 13:00-21:00
From Erlun, we continued driving to Lunbei. I wanted to stop by Chan Chau Ku Happy Moo Ranch, but it was crowded with people. The car park was full, and there were even two tour buses filled with visitors. Instead, we decided to drive around the town and then head to Mailiao to see my husband's grandparents' house. I remember visiting there once. The house was quite old and traditional, although it has since been demolished.
Lunbei Fengtian Temple (崙背奉天宮)
In Lunbei, there is the Fengtian Temple, which was founded in 1797. The main deity enshrined in the temple is Mazu, accompanied by Shennong the Great, Zhusheng Empress, and Fude Zhengshen. It is the oldest temple in Lunbei Township.
During a period of drought and poor harvests, coupled with a widespread plague in the local area, the villagers suffered from hunger and disease, and fear gripped the community. Mr. Liao Qingxin, a wise individual in the village, suggested inviting Mazu from Meizhou to drive away evil spirits and pray for relief. Mazu's extraordinary power was evident as the epidemic disappeared three days later. A temple made of bamboo was constructed at this site to commemorate the event.
