Neipu Tianhou Temple Introduction
Neipu Tianhou Temple is dedicated to the Red-faced Mazu and is the oldest Mazu temple in the Liudui Hakka region. It was established in the eighth year of the Qianlong era (1803) and took over two years to complete, officially finishing in the tenth year of the Qianlong era (1805). The temple serves not only as a center of faith for the people of Liudui but also was an important site for discussions on military strategies by the Liudui volunteer army. With a history of over 100 years, Tianhou Temple retains many ancient plaques and stone tablets, holding significant cultural and artistic value. It has been designated as a national third-level historic site and is a representative historical building in the Neipu area. Tianhou Temple consists of the front hall, worship hall, and main hall, forming a cross-shaped layout. Upon closer inspection of the temple beams, dragon columns, and roof braces, one can see the intricate carvings. Although the temple has undergone several renovations, its exterior and some decorative elements still maintain their original appearance. For instance, the dragon columns in the front and main halls feature single dragon carvings, characteristic of the early Qing dynasty's carving style. The stone pillow in the front hall is rectangular, differing from the usual design. Meanwhile, the stone incense burner in the center of the main hall reflects traditional Hakka style, and a rectangular stone base for the burner can also be found on the floor, all showcasing a lingering ancient charm. In addition, Tianhou Temple houses several plaques and stone tablets from the Qing dynasty, such as the "Enbi Water and Land" plaque from the tenth year of the Jiaqing era, the "Cihang Pujie" plaque from the eighth year of the Xianfeng era, the "Yutian Tonggong" plaque from the Guangxu period, the "Fengjin Gu Lingpu" stone tablet, and the "Construction of Tianhou Temple Inscription" stone tablet, among others. These artifacts are not only invaluable ancient relics but also serve as important historical materials documenting the development history of the Liudui Hakka community.
