For Emperor Paosheng's birthday, folk arts troupes came from all over to perform. When night fell, the excitement only mounted with the fire lion spectacle. (photo by Hong Wen-shan) (photo by Hong Wen-shan)

After seven years and NT$260 mil-lion worth of renovations, Paoan Temple in the Talungtung neighborhood of Taipei held a chingcheng jiao ceremony to celebrate the completion of its restoration. A folk arts festival that began at the same time went on for over two months and included performances of such rarely seen ancient rites and rituals as guohuo (fire-walking), fire lions, water lanterns, pudu (universal deliverance) and the Chung Kuei Dance. Renowned performance troupes and elite opera groups from around the island were invited to perform. It was great folk gathering, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for "experts to hone their craft and laymen to enjoy the fun and excitement."

Talungtung, Mengchia, and Tataocheng are the three oldest neighborhoods in Taipei, and Talungtung's Paoan Temple, Mengchia's Chingshan Temple and Tataocheng's Hsiahai City God Temple, all of which have origins in the early history of Taipei, are sacred grounds and repositories for traditional rituals and folk performances.