Dali Tiangong Temple (Caoling Qingyun Temple)

Dali Tiangong Temple (also known as Qingyun Temple), acclaimed as "Lanyang's Foremost Scenic Spot" and "a spiritual fortress for our ancestors," is situated in a fishing village by the coastal highway in Yilan County. It primarily enshrines the Jade Emperor (Tiangong), originally brought to Taiwan from Zhangzhou. Since ancient times, the temple has been closely tied to the development of the Lanyang Plain, witnessing the evolution of Yilan's local culture and history. Today, it remains a bustling hub of worship and an important spiritual center for the community. This century-old temple boasts intricate and majestic architecture. Backed by the lush green Caoling Mountain and facing the vast blue Pacific Ocean, it offers distant views of Guishan Island floating on the sea. Its beautiful geographical setting and exceptional scenery attract many visitors who come specifically to admire its beauty. Since its establishment in the 16th year of the Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty (1836 AD), Dali Tiangong Temple has undergone numerous renovations. Its exterior features soaring pavilions, while the interior is adorned with magnificent golden carvings and painted beams. The ninth day of the first lunar month each year marks the local celebration, drawing an endless stream of worshippers from far and wide. The "Dali Tidal View" here was once listed as one of the "Eight Sceneries of Lanyang." After prayer and blessing, one can gaze at Guishan Island from the temple's observation deck. On clear days, the azure sea and sky reflect each other; during rain, pavilions appear amidst mist and fog. Especially during the northeast monsoon season, the coastal waves are turbulent and extraordinarily grand, adding to the temple's solemn and majestic aura. At the temple entrance, numerous small shops sell local snacks and specialties such as whitebait soup, fourfinger threadfin, and agar-agar jelly, offering unmissable local delicacies for pilgrims and travelers alike.