Bulldozing of Changhua Temple Nearly Complete|碧雲寺今夷平 彰化縣長魏明谷親自驗收

On Sept. 26, the Changhua County Government began demolishing new additions to Biyun Temple in Ershui Township on the grounds that they were illegal construction. Changhua County Magistrate Wei Ming-ku says he will charge the entire NT$ 5 million cost to temple owner Wei Ming-jen. He will also register the temple as a historic structure.


Two excavators work together to bulldoze the last wall encircling Biyun Temple. On Sept. 26, the Changhua County Government began demolishing the new additions to the temple, alleging they were illegal construction. Seven days later, 80 percent of the work was completed, with only the first floor remaining. Changhua County Magistrate Wei Ming-ku traveled to Ershui Township to inspect the demolishing work.

After we tear down the last wall, we will clear away the rubble, all the bricks and tiles. We will then greenify this hillside space, which is inside a conservation zone, and carry out water and soil conservation.

The Changhua County Government says the NT$ 5 million cost of demolishing the temple will be charged to the property rights holder, Wei Ming-jen. The county government also sent out a fine notice on Oct. 2. If the property rights holder fails to pay before Oct. 15, the case will be transferred to law enforcement. If Wei Ming-jen still does not pay up, then all of the temple's land will be confiscated and auctioned off. The old part of the temple complex was built nearly a century ago, and the county government is seeking to have it registered as a historic structure with the aim of attracting tourists.

Our hearts are full of pain. The house has been torn down. We hope our magistrate and everyone can help to return all of Biyun Temple's land to Biyun Temple as quickly as possible.

The county government is also looking into allegations that Wei Ming-jen assaulted a government official who went to the temple on Sept. 21 to cut off the water and power. The Changhua District Prosecutors Office believes Wei Ming-jen openly challenged public authority, and will charge him with obstructing government administration and injury.