Zhubei Tianhou Temple

The Zhubei Tianhou Temple enshrines the main deity, the Heavenly Holy Mother (Mazu), whose statue is the only clay sculpture with a gilded body in Taiwan. The temple's original site was known as 'Douzaipu,' which refers to the area of today's Zhubei, Zhuren, and Zhuyi villages. The origin of this place's name comes from its settlement being located upstream of the Xinzhuangzi Canal, where drawing water was difficult. In the past, after the barren land was cultivated, only beans could be grown, hence it was called 'Douzaipu' (Bean Field). Due to the difficulty of farming, many residents engaged in fishing. When they first crossed the sea to Taiwan, the ancestors brought the incense of Mazu, the guardian deity of their homes and sea voyages, to pray for peace and to protect the land and its people. At that time, the Qing government strictly enforced maritime bans, and whether through illegal crossing or legal immigration, no one could bring their families, causing great unease and instability among the people. Fortunately, Mazu's benevolent power was widely manifested and her divine protection extensively bestowed, becoming the complete spiritual reliance for the early settlers. For over a hundred years, every Lantern Festival, devotees would find a place to erect a temporary structure and hold a three-offering ritual for peace and blessings to express gratitude for Mazu's divine grace. This religious activity has continued to this day, becoming a distinguishing feature of the Tianhou Temple.