Mazu Temple (Magong) Introduction
Shuisian Temple is one of the four ancient temples in Penghu (Ma Zu Temple, Guanyin Pavilion, City God Temple, and Shuisian Temple), established in the 35th year of the Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty (1695) by the right battalion commander Xue Kui of Penghu. The temple enshrines five deities: Dayu, Wu Yuan, Qu Yuan, Xiang Yu, and Lu Ban, collectively known as the Five Shuisian Lords. It is worshipped by fishermen to pray for the smooth operation of their commercial vessels. Historically, Shuisian Temple was also known as the meeting place of Taixia, and excursions in Penghu were referred to as Taixia excursions, abbreviated as Peng Jiao. It was formed by the Jinli Shun of Taijiao and the Jin Chang Shun of Shajia, similar to modern business associations for exchanging business information, negotiating deals, and handling community welfare affairs. While the exact founding date is unclear, it is documented to have existed during the Qing Dynasty’s Qianlong and Jiaqing eras, and the Tongzhi and Guangxu eras were a period of prosperous business exchanges. The construction materials and craftsmen of Shuisian Temple mostly came from Dongshan in Fujian Province, and its architectural style retains the characteristics of the Tongshan area. Due to the renovation during the Japanese occupation, the windows are designed with European-style sliding designs, and the construction of the front column beams and walls incorporated traditional craftsmanship and materials while also employing the local Penghu washing sand technique (shell sand) for imitation stone pillars and wall materials. It is currently listed as a national third-level historic site. Festival: October 10 of the lunar calendar. [Recommended duration of stay] 1 hour.
Makung Distant God Temple (Taixia Association Hall)
