Xinzhuang Ciyou Temple Introduction
Ciyou Temple is the oldest temple in Xinzhuang, believed to have been established in the 25th year of the Kangxi reign (1686). It was renovated in the 9th year of the Yongzheng reign (1731) and renamed "Ciyou Temple," commonly referred to as "Xinzhuang Mazu Temple." The temple has undergone multiple renovations during the Qianlong, Jiaqing, Xianfeng, Tongzhi, Guangxu, Japanese occupation, and post-World War II periods. In 1985, Ciyou Temple was designated as a third-class historical site in the Taiwan-Fujian region. There are also mentions of this temple in the "Comprehensive History of Taiwan," originally being an inconspicuous small temple but evolving into a spiritual center along with the development of Xinzhuang, thus expanded into a large-scale Tianhou Temple. The main hall of Ciyou Temple enshrines Mazu, with the left side dedicated to the God of Kwan-lung Wang and the right side to the God of Wealth. The rear hall enshrines Guanyin Bodhisattva, with the sides dedicated to Daruma and Zhinü. The mountain opening hall honors the ancestral masters and resident monks. Mazu is not only the guardian deity of sailors but also a spiritual anchor for the people of Xinzhuang, thus creating a profound emotional connection to Ciyou Temple among the local residents. The temple features vividly carved dragons and intricate phoenix and floral motifs, as well as story figures and dragon carvings in the front hall, presenting significant artistic value. It holds numerous artifacts such as inscribed plaques, ancient steles, and wooden couplets from the Qianlong and Jiaqing eras, making it rich in historical value and worthy of a detailed visit.
