Zhao Tian Temple of Xinhua Introduction
Established in 1807, the Xinhua Chaotian Temple is rich in legends. According to folklore, the area of Xinhua used to be a Feng Shui site known as the Eight Trigrams Spider Hole. In 1862, an earthquake caused severe damage to the Chaotian Temple, allowing the spider spirit to create chaos, leading local women to behave recklessly and troubling the residents. It was only after the Mazu of the Chaotian Temple instructed a reconstruction of the temple and held processions to quell the disturbances that order was restored. This procession later became known as the famous "Damu Jiang Eighteen Maids." Additionally, there is a legend about Mazu showing divine intervention during World War II. At that time, there was a small airport in Xinhua, and during a bombing by the Allies, Mazu's image appeared in the sky, catching the bombs and throwing them into uninhabited mountainous areas. This compassionate story of Mazu is still recounted by the elders today. The temple still houses many precious stone tablets and plaques from the Qing Dynasty, and notably, the repair tablet from 1927 includes records of donations from Japanese individuals, reflecting the important status of the Chaotian Temple in the local area.
