Xinzhuang Ciyou Temple Introduction
Ciyou Temple is the oldest temple in Xinzhuang, allegedly established in the 25th year of Kangxi (1686). It was renovated in the 9th year of Yongzheng (1731) and renamed "Ciyou Temple." It is commonly referred to as "Xinzhuang Mazu Temple." The temple has undergone several renovations during the reigns of Qianlong, Jiaqing, Xianfeng, Tongzhi, Guangxu, under Japanese rule, and after the restoration of Taiwan. In 1985, Ciyou Temple was designated as a third-level historic site in the Taiwan-Fujian area. This temple is also mentioned in the "Comprehensive History of Taiwan," where it was originally just an inconspicuous small temple but grew into a center of faith alongside the development of Xinzhuang, thus being rebuilt into a relatively large Mazu temple. The main hall of Ciyou Temple is dedicated to Mazu, with the left side dedicated to General Kalan and the right side to the Earth God; the rear hall enshrines Guanyin, and on the sides are Dharma Master and Zhuseng Niangniang. The founding hall houses the tablets of past masters and resident monks. Mazu is not only the guardian deity of sailors but also a spiritual refuge for the people of Xinzhuang, which fosters a deep emotional connection to Ciyou Temple. The temple features vivid dragon carvings and intricately crafted phoenixes and floral decorations, as well as narrative figures and dragon sculptures in the front shrine, making it a site of great artistic value. It also retains many artifacts such as plaques from the Qianlong and Jiaqing eras, ancient steles, and wooden couplets, holding extremely high historical value, making it worthy of a detailed visit and admiration.
