Jinshan Cihu Temple Introduction
Cihu Temple, located on Lower Jincheng Street in Jinshan, has a history of over 200 years and is the largest temple in Jinshan, primarily dedicated to the worship of Mazu with a golden face, serving as a religious center for the local community. Locally, the residents of Jinshan refer to it as the "Grand Temple." The intricate artistic expressions from the foundation, rafters, roof, to the body of the building are all worth appreciating. The main hall features octagonal dragon columns, which are exquisite examples of craftsmanship from the Tongzhi era of the Qing Dynasty, making them rather rare. The Mazu of Cihu Temple is divided into two: the elder Mazu and the younger Mazu. The younger Mazu once drifted at sea and was found at the coast of Yehliu. Due to her small size, only eight inches tall, locals decided to fund the creation of a large Mazu statue to match the elder Mazu's height, thus leading to the origin of the "Mazu among Mazu." Subsequently, the younger Mazu makes an annual pilgrimage from Jinshan to Yehliu on the 16th day of the fourth lunar month to visit her original home, becoming a unique festive event shared by Jinshan, Shimen, and Wanli.
