Zhaoying Temple Introduction
Zhaoying Temple is currently the only national third-level historic site in Yilan, constructed during the Jiaqing era of the Qing Dynasty, and has a history of over 200 years. Since its establishment, Zhaoying Temple has become a center of faith and assembly for the people of Yilan, and it is also the only Mazu temple in Taiwan that faces the mountains. The main deity of Zhaoying Temple is Mazu. Initially, the temple faced the sea, symbolizing protection for fishermen. However, it is said that a geomancer predicted that if Zhaoying Temple faced west, it could change the local literary fortune, so during the Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty, the temple was remodeled into a three-hall structure and its orientation was changed. Subsequently, several scholars did achieve success in the imperial examination. Zhaoying Temple has a long history and has undergone several renovations, but the layout, wooden carvings, and stone sculptures still maintain the style from the Daoguang era. The intricate craftsmanship of the dragon columns, stone lions, and beam columns is quite distinctive. Inside the temple, there are also plaques from the Daoguang era, making it a highly regarded temple in the area. In addition to worshiping Mazu, the temple also honors three great contributors to the development of Yilan during the Qing Dynasty: Yang Tingli, Zhai Gan, and Chen Zheng, commonly referred to as the "Three Elders." For those who enjoy history and temple culture, a visit to Zhaoying Temple is worthwhile, allowing for a moment of reflection and an in-depth journey into Yilan.
