Ciyun Temple Introduction
Ci Yun Temple, located in Houlong, has a history of over 220 years and is the only Taoist temple in Miaoli County that preserves the most complete historical documents. Among the registered Mazu temples in Taiwan, it is one of the oldest and most organized Daoist temples. With over 200 years of history, Ci Yun is the oldest temple in Houlong, boasting an unmatched collection of ancient artifacts, such as an ancient table from the Qianlong period and a plaque with the imperial seal "With Heaven in Harmony" from Emperor Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty. Ci Yun Temple faces south, with a main hall and two side rooms. The main hall enshrines Mazu, while the side halls honor Tudigong and Zhusheng Niangniang, attracting a large number of worshippers. Every year during the Lantern Festival, the temple hosts the fascinating "Shooting Cannon Castle" folk activity, where a mini castle is hung atop a ten-meter-tall bamboo pole. Participants shoot self-lit firecrackers into the castle's gates to trigger the pre-set explosives inside, with winners receiving prizes from the organizers.
