Banchiao Cihui Temple Introduction
Cihui Temple, dedicated to Mazu, is located in the bustling area of Banqiao District, New Taipei City. It serves as the center of Mazu worship for the Seventeen Villages of Old Baijie Fort and is collectively known as the Five Great Temples of Baijie Fort along with Wenchang Temple (now in Banqiao District), Jieyun Temple (now in Banqiao District), Guangji Palace (now in Zhonghe District), and the Great Tomb Park of Daanliao Village (now in Tucheng District). With a rich history, Cihui Temple is one of the oldest Mazu temples in Banqiao, showcasing a traditional temple structure nestled among residential buildings, creating an interesting contrast. The temple's interior and exterior features decorations of paper-cutting, carving, and painting, with beautifully adorned beams and rafters that highlight the aesthetics of traditional arts. The temple also houses many precious historical artifacts, such as ancient plaques and dragon columns from the Guangxu and Tongzhi eras of the Qing Dynasty, making it a delightful place for treasure-hunting enthusiasts. Interestingly, Mazu's capable assistants—Qianliyian (Thousand Mile Eye) and Shunfeng'er (Auspicious Wind Ear)—hold gold ingots, making the temple a popular spot for worshippers seeking wealth during festivals.
