Chaolong Temple Introduction
The Donggang Chaolon Temple was built in the first year of the Yongzheng era (1723), making it 284 years old, second only to the famous Donglong Temple (approximately 290 years old). Since the Ming Dynasty, especially after Zheng Chenggong established his base in Taiwan, more immigrants from the mainland settled in Donggang. Most ships coming to Taiwan across the sea worship Mazu onboard for protection during their voyages. Throughout history, Mazu has been honored as the "Guardian of Navigation." It is said that when the temple was constructed, an inexhaustible supply of small shrimp suddenly appeared in the Donggang area, giving rise to the famous Donggang shrimp industry, leading people to also refer to Mazu as "Shrimp Mazu." Over the years, after the Donggang Mazu Temple was built, the area became increasingly prosperous, and various Min Nan regions from the mainland recognized Donggang as a trade center. Consequently, there were proposals to expand the Mazu Temple, and local businesses eagerly donated funds, further establishing Donggang Mazu as "Port Mazu." Fishermen and merchants would visit the Donggang Chaolon Temple to pray for Mazu's blessings before heading out to sea. Chaolon Temple is the main Mazu temple in Donggang and is referred to as "Land Mazu" because it faces inland rather than the sea.
