Xinzhuang Ciyou Temple Introduction
Ciyou Temple is the oldest temple in Xinzhuang, said to have been established in the 25th year of the Kangxi reign (1686). During the renovation in the 9th year of the Yongzheng reign (1731), it was renamed "Ciyou Temple," and is commonly referred to as "Xinzhuang Mazu Temple." It has undergone renovations during the Qianlong, Jiaqing, Xianfeng, Tongzhi, Guangxu, Japanese colonial period, and after the restoration of the Republic of China. In 1985, Ciyou Temple was designated as a third-level historic site in the Taiwan-Fujian region. It is also mentioned in the "Comprehensive History of Taiwan," originally a modest small temple that became a center of faith with the development of Xinzhuang, thus transformed into a sizable Mazu temple. The main hall of Ciyou Temple enshrines Mazu, with the left side dedicated to the King of Protection and the right side to the God of Wealth; the rear hall enshrines Guanyin, with the left and right sides dedicated to Bodhidharma and the Goddess of Birth, respectively. The mountain-opening hall honors the tablets of past masters and resident monks. Mazu not only serves as the guardian of sailors but also represents the spiritual reliance of the people of Xinzhuang, resulting in a deep emotional connection to Ciyou Temple. The temple features vividly carved dragons, exquisitely crafted phoenixes and flowers, narrative figures, and intricately designed dragon carvings in the front hall, all of which constitute a site of significant artistic value. Furthermore, numerous cultural relics such as the plaques from the Qianlong and Jiaqing eras, ancient steles, and wooden couplets are preserved here, holding immense historical value and worth visiting and appreciating.
