Zhaoying Temple Introduction
Zhaoying Temple is currently the only national third-level historic site in Yilan, built during the Jiaqing period of the Qing Dynasty. At that time, Zhaoying Temple was located at the center of the Karmalan District and has a history of over 200 years. Since its establishment, it has become a center of faith and gathering for the people of Yilan and is the only Mazu temple in Taiwan facing the mountains. The main deity of Zhaoying Temple is Mazu. Initially, it faced the sea, symbolizing the protection of fishermen. However, it is said that a geomancer divined that changing the temple's orientation to the west would improve local scholarly fortunes. Therefore, during the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty, it was rebuilt into a three-hall temple, and its orientation was changed. Subsequently, many literary figures succeeded in the imperial examinations. With its long history, Zhaoying Temple has undergone multiple renovations, yet the temple's layout and the intricate wood and stone carvings still retain the style from the Daoguang period. The finely crafted dragon columns, stone lions, and beams are quite distinctive, and there are plaques from the Daoguang period inside, making it a temple of considerable local prestige. In addition to worshipping Mazu, the temple also honors three great contributors to Yilan's development during the Qing Dynasty: Yang Tingli, Zhai Gan, and Chen Zheng, commonly known as the "Three Great Elders." For those who enjoy history and temple culture, a visit to Zhaoying Temple is a lovely opportunity to reflect and embark on a deep exploration of Yilan.
