Chaolung Temple Introduction
Donggang Chaolong Temple was built in the first year of the Yongzheng era (1723 AD), and it has a history of 284 years, second only to the highly revered Donglong Temple of the King of Warmth (which was established around 290 years ago). Since the Ming dynasty, especially after Zheng Chenggong established Taiwan, more immigrants from the mainland came to settle in Donggang. Most ships that crossed the sea to Taiwan worshipped Mazu on board for safe passage. Throughout history after the Ming and Zheng dynasties, Mazu has been revered as the "guardian deity of navigation." It is said that when the temple was built, small shrimp, known for their abundance, suddenly appeared in the Donggang area, leading to the famous Donggang shrimp and the residents' bountiful catch; hence, Mazu is also known as "Shrimp Mama." With the evolution of time, after the establishment of the Donggang Mazu Temple, the area became increasingly prosperous. Various regions in mainland Southern Fujian regarded Donggang as a trading center, prompting discussions to expand the Mazu Temple. Merchants and fishermen would generously donate, and Donggang Mazu earned the title "Mama of the Harbor." Before going out to sea, merchants and fishermen would visit the Donggang Chaolong Temple to pray for Mazu's blessings. Chaolong Temple is the main Mazu temple in Donggang, and since the temple faces inland rather than the sea, it is also referred to as "Mama of the Inland."
