Zhaolong Temple Introduction
Donggang Chaolong Temple was established in the first year of the Yongzheng era (1723) and has a history of 284 years, second only to the thriving Donglong Palace Wang Temple (which was founded around 290 years ago). Since the Ming dynasty, especially after Zheng Chenggong's (Koxinga) arrival in Taiwan, many immigrants from the mainland settled in Donggang. Most ships crossing the sea to Taiwan worship Mazu on board for safe navigation, and Mazu has been revered as the "Guardian of Navigation" throughout various dynasties since the Ming dynasty. Legend has it that when the temple was built, small shrimp that could be caught endlessly suddenly appeared in the Donggang area, leading to the fame of Donggang shrimp and the residents enjoying plentiful harvests, which is why Mazu is also referred to as "Shrimp Mazu." Over the years, as Donggang Mazu Temple was established, the local area prospered, and various places in southern Fujian on the mainland regarded Donggang as a trade center, prompting suggestions to expand the Mazu Temple. Merchants and fishermen would eagerly donate funds for the expansion, and thus Donggang Mazu is also known as "Gangjiao Mazu." Before heading out to sea, merchants and fishermen would pray at the Donggang Chaolong Temple for Mazu's blessings. Chaolong Temple is the main Mazu temple in Donggang, and because the temple faces inland rather than the sea, it is also referred to as "Lujiao Mazu."
