Mazu Jing Tianhou Temple

A focal point for the religious beliefs of local residents, Mazu Jing Tianhou Temple is the most flourishing and grandest temple in the Mazu region, also known as Magang Tianhou Temple. Its pillar capitals use over four thousand bucket-shaped wooden blocks. According to historical records, it was built during the Jiaqing reign of the Qing Dynasty and is renovated approximately every 20 years. The current temple was rebuilt in 2002. It is a palace-style building, magnificent and solemn in its entirety, completed by artisans from across the Greater China region. Its decorative techniques, such as the dragon-carved pillars and relief door gods, are splendid and elaborate. The stone coffin in front of the offering table in the Tianhou Temple is believed to be the resting place of the Mazu goddess's holy remains. Every year on Mazu's lunar birthday, grand celebrations and procession rituals are held. On that evening, the lights are bright, firecrackers explode incessantly, and the temple fair atmosphere is rich, making it a major local event. In March 2009, Li Xiaoshi, a painter and mountaineer from Mazu, carried a golden statue of Mazu up Mount Everest, making her the first deity to ascend the peak. This golden statue is now enshrined in Mazu Jing Tianhou Temple for devotees to worship. Mazu Jing Tianhou Temple is the guardian deity of the Mazu region and the spiritual center for the island's residents. The temple is very popular, so don't forget to come here to offer incense and pray for peace when you visit Nangan! Mazu in Mazu: According to word-of-mouth tradition among residents of Mazu Village in Nangan, when Mazu's father encountered a shipwreck, she threw herself into the sea to save him, but unfortunately...