Shilin Cihian Temple Introduction
Shilin Ci'an Temple, also known as Shilin Mazu Temple, is dedicated to the Heavenly Mother and is located within the famous Shilin Night Market. The temple's precursor was built in 1796 (the first year of the Qing Jiaqing era) by landowner He Jintang and was originally called Tianhou Temple. In 1859 (the ninth year of the Xianfeng era), a conflict between Zhang and Quan factions caused a fire that devastated Zhilan Street, leading to the destruction of Tianhou Temple as well. After the old street was tragically burned down, gentry Pan Yongqing advocated for the relocation and construction of a new street, receiving support from most street residents, and thus a new street was built in the current location of Shilin New Street. At the same time, the central part of the street was planned for the temple site, which is now the location of Ci'an Temple. The temple features a layout consisting of two halls, two corridors, and two dragon ridges, forming a total of five courtyards. The two halls are connected by a water corridor between the dragon protectors, characteristic of the traditional Southern Fujian temple style. The roof of the first level's San Chuan Hall adopts the hip-and-gable style roof also known as “Prince's Tower.” The central hall’s single coiling dragon octagonal column was constructed in the Guangxu era, while the left and right kirin blocks are from 1828. The colorful paintings of the palace maids and door gods Weichi Gong and Qin Shubao on the doors are remarkably detailed, created by the modern master craftsman Chen Yufeng. Beside the main hall, there is a stone wall depicting the old streets of Shilin, allowing visitors to reminisce about the past scenery of Shilin's streets.
