Zhaoying Temple Introduction
Zhaoying Temple is currently the only national third-level historical site in Yilan, built during the Jiaqing period of the Qing Dynasty, and it has a history of over 200 years. Since its establishment, Zhaoying Temple has become a center of faith and gathering for the people of Yilan, and it is the only Mazu temple in Taiwan that faces the mountains. The main deity enshrined in Zhaoying Temple is Mazu, and originally, it faced the sea, symbolizing protection for fishermen. However, according to legend, a geomancer predicted that if Zhaoying Temple faced west, it could change the local literary fortunes, which led to its reconstruction into a three-hall temple during the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty and a change in orientation. Subsequently, several scholars passed the imperial examination. Zhaoying Temple has a long history and has undergone several renovations, but the layout of the temple, along with the wood carvings and stone carvings, still maintains the style of the Daoguang period. The delicate craftsmanship of the dragon pillars, stone lions, and beams is particularly noteworthy, and plaques left from the Daoguang period can also be seen inside the temple, marking it as a temple of considerable prestige in the area. In addition to enshrining Mazu, the temple also honors three significant contributors to the development of Yilan during the Qing Dynasty: Yang Tingli, Zhai Gan, and Chen Zheng, commonly referred to as the "Three Great Elders." For those who appreciate history and temple culture, a visit to Zhaoying Temple is a must for a deep journey into Yilan, allowing one's mind to settle.
