Nanfangao Jingan Temple (Mazu of Gem Coral) Introduction
Jin'an Temple, housing the revered Matsu with a history of over two hundred years, exudes a solemn and tranquil atmosphere that brings peace to the spirit. Located near the Third Fishing Port of Nanfangao along Su'nan Highway, the temple's legend tells of 19th-century sailing ships from Tangshan that sought refuge from northeast monsoons. They brought Matsu from their ship's cabin to a stone cave on land for veneration, and eventually, Matsu chose to remain in this location to bless the fishermen. In 1975, due to the government designating Beifangao as a military area, fishermen were collectively relocated to Nanfangao. During this relocation, the fishermen wished to move Matsu as well, but the divination indicated that Matsu was unwilling to leave Beifangao. Consequently, the main deity was left at the original temple, and a new Jin'an Temple was built by the Nanfangao harbor as a place of faith for the immigrants. In 2006, a coral merchant received a dream from Black-faced Matsu, instructing him to donate a deep sea gemstone coral. After visiting temples across Taiwan, he realized that the Black-faced Matsu at Jin'an Temple was the deity from his dream. He then sculpted and donated a unique gemstone coral Matsu, standing 4 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 600 kilograms, intricately crafted with coral gemstones and gold, showcasing a majestic and compassionate presence to bless the devout visitors.
