Taitung Tianhou Temple Introduction
The history of Taitung Tianhou Temple dates back to the 15th year of the Guangxu Era (1889). Zhang Zhaolian, the then governor of Qing Dynasty, proposed the construction of the temple as a way to express gratitude to the Mazu (the Goddess of the Sea) for providing a spring that helped rescue the government troops during the Dazhuang Incident. He donated part of his monthly salary for this purpose and received a plaque from Emperor Guangxu inscribed with "You Cheng Zhao Ling," which still hangs in the Tianhou Temple today. It is the only official Mazu temple from the Qing Dynasty in Eastern Taiwan. Taitung Tianhou Temple has a vibrant incense offering tradition. It served as a faith center for early immigrants and Han settlements during the Qing Dynasty and the Japanese occupation periods. Today, it still hosts various folk festivals, such as Mazu's birthday, Lantern Festival deity parades, and the large-scale "Qingjiao" (ceremony for peace) held every 12 years, which is an annual religious event in the Taitung area. Not only local residents participate, but many visitors from outside the area also join in the celebrations. In addition to the Mazu, the temple's Yuexia Old Man (God of Marriage) is also well-known for his effectiveness in matchmaking, attracting many young men and women seeking romantic relationships. After visiting the temple, there are several coffee shops in the nearby streets, managed by dedicated owners that offer hand-brewed coffee and desserts. Every Sunday, the nearby Siwei Night Market comes alive with various food stalls offering everything from snacks to Indigenous barbecue, along with game booths featuring ring toss and balloon shooting, ensuring a good time for both adults and children.
