Ciyun Temple Introduction
Ciyun Temple in Houlong, with a history of over 220 years, is the only Taoist temple in Miaoli County that retains the most complete historical documentation. Among all registered Mazu temples in Taiwan, it is one of the oldest and most organized Taoist temples. Ciyun Temple, with over 200 years of establishment, is the oldest temple in Houlong, possessing an impressive collection of ancient artifacts, such as an ancient table from the Qianlong period and a plaque from the Guangxu Emperor inscribed with "Working in Tandem with Heaven." Ciyun Temple faces south, consisting of a main hall and two side rooms, with Mazu as the central deity and local deities of the land and the goddess of childbirth on either side, enjoying a thriving incense offering. Every year on the Lantern Festival, Ciyun Temple holds an exciting folk activity called "Cannon Shooting City," where a mini castle is hung atop a ten-meter long bamboo pole. Participants use self-ignited firecrackers to throw into the front and back gates of the castle to trigger the explosives inside, winning prizes from the organizers.
