Chaolong Temple Introduction
Chaolon Temple in Donggang was built in the first year of the Yongzheng period (1723) and has a history of 284 years. It is second only to the highly visited Donglong Temple (approximately 290 years old). Since the Ming Dynasty and especially after Zheng Chenggong established a presence in Taiwan, more immigrants from the mainland settled in Donggang. Most ships crossing the sea to Taiwan worship Mazu for maritime protection. Throughout the dynasties following Zheng Chenggong, Mazu has been revered as the "Protector of the Seas." Legend has it that when the temple was under construction, a sudden abundance of shrimp appeared in the Donggang area, leading to the well-known Donggang shrimp industry, which allowed local residents to thrive. As a result, Mazu is also referred to as "Shrimp Mazu." Over time, the Donggang Mazu Temple has contributed to the area's prosperity, with trade in Donggang becoming central for merchants coming from various places in Fujian Province. This prompted proposals for the expansion of the Mazu Temple, with local businesses eager to generously donate funds. Thus, Donggang Mazu became known as "Harbor Mazu." Before heading out to sea, merchants and fishermen would visit the Chaolon Temple to seek Mazu's blessings. Chaolon Temple serves as the main Mazu temple in Donggang and is called "Land Mazu" because it faces inland rather than the sea.
