Night Patrol

“Night Patrol” is a documentary photography series that explores the deep sense of connection and shared cultural heritage embodied in the “Night Patrol”, a vital ritual of the Qingshan Temple annual festival in Taipei’s Wanhua District. Rooted in 18th-century traditions brought by Quanzhou immigrants, this ceremony highlights the collective ties between faith, history, and community.

Through a series of evocative photographs, the project captures the shared experience of the nocturnal journey of Ling’an Zunwang (Qingshan King), a deity deeply revered as a protector and unifier of the community. The interplay of shadow and light, the synchronized movements of ceremonial troupes, and the moments of collective reverence illustrate the interconnectedness of the participants, whether as performers, worshippers, or onlookers.

This visual narrative emphasizes the bonds that unite people across time and space, preserving tradition amidst modernization. The “Night Patrol” becomes more than a religious act; it symbolizes the enduring connections between past and present, the sacred and the communal.

By documenting this ritual, the project invites viewers to reflect on the universality of shared traditions, reminding us that cultural heritage is not just a relic of the past but a living thread that binds us together in the present.