Chihshan Tianhou Temple Introduction
In the 1700s, the early settlers, in search of peace and spiritual solace, invited the statue of Mazu from Meizhou, mainland China, to Fan Shu Liao (the former name of Qishan). The local people revered the sacred site and shared stories of miracles, leading many residents to contribute funds to build a temple, which was completed in 1824, making it nearly 200 years old today. Inside the temple is an inscription on a stone tablet that commemorates the events of the settlement's struggles against bandits, along with two tablets documenting the community's financial efforts for renovations, serving as precious historical materials for studying the development history of Qishan. The Qishan Tianhou Temple, with its year-round bustling incense offerings, is the only remaining temple from the Qing Dynasty period in the Qishan area and serves as the most important center of faith for the people of Qishan. Due to the fervent prayers, the face of the Mazu statue has been darkened and polished by the smoke of incense. The temple features simple and elegant stone carvings, while the wooden sculptures and bronze figures are richly decorated, making it one of the must-visit attractions for tourists coming to Qishan.
