Taitung Tianhou Temple Introduction
Taitung Tianhou Temple's history dates back to the 15th year of the Guangxu era (1889). Zhang Zhaolian, the Qing Dynasty's governor at the time, donated his monthly salary to propose the construction of the temple in gratitude for the Heavenly Mother saving the military during the Dazhuang incident. He was granted a plaque inscribed "Youcheng Zhaoling" by Emperor Guangxu, which still hangs in the Tianhou Temple today, making it the only official Mazu temple in Eastern Taiwan from the Qing Dynasty. Taitung Tianhou Temple has a rich tradition of worship, serving as a faith center for early immigrants and Han settlements during the Qing and Japanese colonial periods. It frequently hosts various folk festivals, such as Mazu's birthday, Lantern Festival processions, and the large-scale Peace and Purification Ceremony held every 12 years, which is an annual religious event in Taitung. Not only local residents participate, but many pilgrims from outside Taitung also join the festivities. In addition to the Heavenly Mother, the Yuexia Old Man at Taitung Tianhou Temple is also well-known for his effectiveness, attracting many young men and women who come to seek romantic relationships. After worshipping, visitors can find several well-managed cafes in the nearby streets offering hand-brewed coffee and desserts. Every Sunday, the Siwei Night Market next to the Tianhou Temple comes alive with various snacks, indigenous barbecues, ring toss, balloon shooting, and many other game stalls, providing entertainment for both adults and children.
