Tamsui Fuyou Temple Introduction
Fuyou Temple, located on Zhongzheng Road Old Street in Tamsui District, New Taipei City, has an uncertain construction history. It is said to have been founded during the Yongzheng period and rebuilt in 1796 (the first year of the Jiaqing era). However, it is certain that Fuyou Temple has a history of over 200 years and is classified as a third-level historic site, being one of the oldest among the four major temples in Tamsui. The temple primarily enshrines Mazu, also known as Mazu Palace. Since it has not received an imperial title, it retains its original name and is not referred to as Tianhou Temple, serving as the center of Tamsui Street's development in the past. One of the couplets in front of the temple reads, "In the endless sea of suffering, who will climb Meizhou and reach the shore?" which reflects the hardships faced by ancestors during the period of crossing the sea to establish a foothold. Mazu plays an important role in calming the sea and protecting the people. Fuyou Temple is a site rich in history with many legendary stories, such as the plaque "Yitian Zhaoyou" in the main hall, which is said to have been awarded by Emperor Guangxu after Mazu displayed her divine power during the Sino-French War to assist in battle; this plaque still hangs in the main hall as one of the temple's treasures. The 'Wanggaolou Stele' embedded in the front hall wall documents the construction of the Wanggaolou Lighthouse, which guided ships at the Tamsui River estuary. The relief sculptures surrounding the temple walls were largely funded by local businesses for the purpose of worship and have become an integration of ancient charm and modern art, embellishing the current Old Street. If you look closely at the stone lions in front of the temple, you'll notice their heads are particularly bright; it is likely that these stone lions were originally used as ballast to stabilize boats during crossings and once guarded immigrants crossing the sea, so people enjoy touching the lions' heads, believing it brings safety.
