Mazu Temple (Magong Suisian Temple) Introduction
Shuixian Temple is one of the four ancient temples in Penghu (along with Tianhou Temple, Guanyin Pavilion, and Chenghuang Temple). It was established in the 35th year of the Kangxi era (1695) by Xue Kui, the Right-wing Yuji of Penghu. The temple enshrines five deities, namely Dayu, Wu Yuan, Qu Yuan, Xiang Yu, and Lu Ban, collectively known as the Five Shui Xian Zun Wang, or commonly as Shuixian Wang. It is worshipped by fishermen seeking successful shipping operations. In the past, Shuixian Temple was also known as the meeting place of Taixia Jiao. The area of Penghu was referred to as Taixia Jiao, abbreviated as Pengjiao. This was formed by the combination of Taijiao Jinlishun and Xiajiao Jinchangshun, similar to today’s business associations, for exchanging business information, negotiating trade, and handling community affairs. The founding date is not clearly recorded, but it is certain that there were records during the Qianlong and Jiaqing periods of the Qing Dynasty, while the Tongzhi and Guangxu years saw a period of prosperous business exchanges. The building materials and craftsmen of Shuixian Temple mostly came from Dongshan in Fujian Province, and its architectural style retains characteristics of the Tongshan area. During the Japanese occupation, Shuixian Temple underwent renovations, incorporating European-style windows with top and bottom openings. Aside from the traditional craftsmen and materials, construction utilized local Penghu washing sand (shell sand) techniques to simulate stone columns and wall materials. Currently, it is designated as a national third-level historic site. Festival: October 10th in the lunar calendar. [Recommended visit duration] 1 hour.
Matsu Dajianshan Temple (Magong Hsia Association Hall)
