Chaolung Temple Introduction
The Donggang Chaolong Temple was built in the first year of the Yongzheng era (1723 AD), and has a history of 284 years, second only to the heavily revered Donglong Temple Wangmiao (which was established about 290 years ago). Since the Ming dynasty, especially after Zheng Chenggong established Taiwan, more immigrants from mainland China began to settle in Donggang. Most of the ships that crossed the sea to Taiwan honored Mazu aboard for navigation protection, and Mazu has been respectfully called the "guardian deity of sailors" throughout different dynasties since the Ming-Zheng period. It is said that when the temple was built, an abundance of small shrimp suddenly appeared in the Donggang area, which led to the well-known Donggang shrimp and a bountiful catch for the residents, thus some also refer to Mazu as "Shrimp Mazu." Over time, after the establishment of the Donggang Mazu Temple, the local area became increasingly prosperous, with Donggang serving as a trade center for various places in southern Fujian. Therefore, there were proposals to expand the Mazu Temple, and businesses in Donggang were eager to generously donate. As a result, Donggang Mazu is also referred to as "Port and Suburbs Mazu." Before going out to sea, merchants and fishermen would go to the Donggang Chaolong Temple to pray for Mazu's blessings. Chaolong Temple is the main Mazu temple in Donggang, and because the temple faces inland instead of the sea, it is also called "Inland Suburbs Mazu."
