Taipei's Shezi Celebrates Earth God With Lantern Festival Fireworks Spectacle
Residents of Shezi Island in Taipei celebrate the Lantern Festival with a tradition known as Bombing the Earth God, an event that honors Tudigong. The festivities continue despite the area facing an uncertain future due to proposed development plans.
This AI-generated summary is based on reporting by TaiwanPlus and verified by newsroom fact checkers. Learn more about our policy here.
Taipei's Shezi Island Celebrates Earth God Festival Amid Uncertain Future
Every spring, on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, the community of Shezi Island in western Taipei honors Tudigong, the Earth God. Families return from across the country to eat, drink and participate in the annual "Bombing of the Earth God," a centuries-old tradition believed to bring blessings and prosperity.
“On Shezi Island, during the Lantern Festival we will ask the Earth God, Tudigong, to come out and bless everyone,” said Wang Meng-kai, a palanquin carrier. “The more firecrackers are set off, the more prosperity we spread.”
Tudigong is widely revered in Taiwan, often compared to a neighborhood chief. Despite having a population of only about 10,000, Shezi Island is home to many Tudigong shrines, reflecting both its deep-rooted culture and ongoing challenges.
“Bombing the Tudigong helps us drive away plague and ensure a bountiful harvest,” said Hsieh Wen-jia, the Fu’an neighborhood chief. “This Tudigong statue was made by an ox herder. He carved it from golden tortoise tree wood and then the deity manifested. Since then, this Tudigong has been passed down through generations.”
Shezi itself has changed significantly. Once an island, it became a peninsula after Taipei altered the river’s course in 1965 and reclaimed land in 1975. Sitting just 2.5 meters above sea level, it remains vulnerable to flooding. A devastating 1963 typhoon led the government to restrict its development. While Shezi was long excluded from major flood control projects, recent years have seen improved river management.
This stability has sparked redevelopment discussions. Some lawmakers propose turning Shezi into an upscale residential area or a public park—ideas that have unsettled residents.
“[The government] claims to care for the people here, but that care hasn’t been put into action,” said Hsieh Yao-de, a temple head and longtime resident. “The debate over development keeps going in circles, but what people truly need is stability.”
Others fear being forced out. “Everything will be torn down, and we might all be forced to move,” said Shezi resident Ms. Chen. “Essentially, 60-70% of people will be pushed out because they won’t be able to afford housing.”
Despite the uncertainties, Shezi’s residents continue their traditions. For one night each year, they set aside their concerns, reunite with loved ones, and celebrate the Bombing of the Earth God, hoping Tudigong will continue to watch over them.
