Baimajun Wang Temple Introduction
In addition to the Matsu Temple in Magong, another religious center for the residents of Matsu is the Baima Zunwang Temple. Matsu, aside from its historical and cultural significance, has its cuisine and architecture heavily influenced by Fuzhou. Even the local primary deity, Baima Zunwang, was transferred from Fuzhou. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the deity was first worshiped in the northern and southern parts of Nangan, then in Dongyin, and now is the most commonly worshiped deity across the Matsu archipelago. The number of temples, both large and small, built by the residents on various islands or in their homes exceeds that of Mazu, and some temples enshrine both Mazu and Baima Zunwang along with other deities. Among them, the Baima Zunwang Temple in Jieshou Village, Nangan, is particularly popular among the people, notable for housing seven deities in one temple. Numerous miraculous tales about Baima Zunwang have also increased people's faith; although the residents of the Matsu Islands no longer rely on fishing for their livelihood, the deity's status as the "protector of seafarers" remains steadfast.
