Zheng Chenggong has achieved god-like status in the view of many Taiwanese. Some even say that his mother was the physical embodiment of the goddess Matsu. In his shrine, he is worshipped like any other diety in the city.
For a shrine to a war hero, the Zheng Chengong Shrine is amazingly serene. It is flanked by a lovely garden and plum trees (one of which was reportedly planted by Zheng Chengong himself) grow in the back of the main hall. The shrine is itself a great museum with tons of information on the man and the founding of the city. Many of the plaques are even written in proper English, which goes to show the dedication put forth by the government.
The shrine has been converted several times with changes in style appealing to Taiwan’s various occupiers. He is the one figure in Taiwanese history that was venerated by all of Taiwan’s rulers. Although he was their sworn enemy, when the Qing finally took Taiwan they still honored his achievements. The Japanese favored his Japanese heritage, and he was of course loved by the KMT whose retreat to Taiwan is a near re-enactment of his legacy.
The museum next to the shrine is sometimes worth a look. It has some permanent displays dedicated to Zheng Chenggong and also serves as a satellite operation for the Chi Mei Museum.