Yilan Zhaoying Temple

Located on Zhongshan Road in Yilan City, Zhaoying Temple has been a center of faith since its establishment in 1808. It also served as a venue for government announcements, public gatherings, and casual conversations. Today, information about Taiwanese opera (gezaixi) performances from various parts of Yilan can still be found on the wall in front of the temple. Zhaoying Temple primarily enshrines Mazu. When first built, it faced west to east, looking towards the sea, in accordance with tradition, signifying its role in protecting marine life. During the Daoguang era (1821-1850), the entire temple was moved to the opposite side and expanded into a three-hall layout. However, its orientation was changed to face east to west, making it Taiwan's only Mazu temple that faces a mountain. The temple has a long and narrow layout, with a width of only three bays. Its depth extends over 60 meters, encompassing the temple square, Sanchuan Hall, front courtyard, main hall, rear courtyard, and rear hall. The current temple layout largely retains the style from the Daoguang period. During the Japanese colonial period, Zhaoying Temple underwent several renovations, yet its wood and stone carvings still preserve their original appearance from the Daoguang era. The intricate patterns and ornate decorations under the eaves of the Sanchuan Hall, as well as the detailed wood carvings on the door panels, are particularly admirable. The dragon pillars, green lions, stone pillows, and wall panels of the Sanchuan Hall are even more exquisite masterpieces of stone carving. Zhaoying Temple preserves many ancient artifacts of great historical value and embodies the pure, kind, and devout faith of the people of Yilan. Those who enjoy exploring historical sites should definitely not miss a visit to Zhaoying Temple.