Between early Qing dynasty and the period of Japanese Colonial Rule, Guandu Temple had gone through renovation for several times. The large dragon and tiger stone carvings, dragon pillars, stone pillars, and stone lions carved at that time have been preserved until today and been integrated with other materials during the renovation in later generations. The renovation in 1950 not only ascertained the layout of Main Hall, but after the renovation in 2003, the location and styles of the stone carvings nowadays were established as well. As mentioned above, these carvings are similar to dragon pillars, stone lions, carvings and stone carvings of ‘Wall of Mazu’s Miracles’ in modern period of time. Therefore, Guandu Temple is in combination of the art of stone carvings in the past and at present.
In addition, many monuments and stone carvings, including the dragon pillars, flower and bird pillars, stone carvings, stone windows, stone lions, and railings were remaining from the renovation mentioned above, witnessing the history of Guandu Temple, like that recorded in many stone monuments and related records of the Temple (appendix 1). The renovation reflects the development and evolution of renovation of temples and art of stone carvings from Qing dynasty on. Besides, through these everlasting stone carvings and the stories inscribed in relief sculptures, and stone murals, the historical stories conveying loyalty, filial piety, chastity and righteousness are passed down. The stories of Wall of Mazu’s Miracles are like epics enriching the worshippers’ spiritual world in the sacred and solemn Guandu Temple.
The forms of the stone carvings are complete; the topics are rich while the techniques are diverse. Some of them are made of stones conveyed to Taiwan at the bottom of the ship in early period of time and white rocks from Quanzhou; most of them are made of the stones in Qilian and Guanyin Mountain. The stone carvings over Shanmen are made of ruby granite exported from India and limestone from Fujian.
