Banten Rock Ziyun Temple Introduction
Ziyun Temple is located about 17 kilometers from Chiayi City and is designated as a county-level historic site in Chiayi County. Based on current observations from various sources, Ziyun Temple was established in 1682 (the 21st year of the Kangxi Era of the Qing Dynasty), making it over 300 years old. The origins of the temple are similar to many early temples, where it is said that a monk brought an effigy of Guanyin (the Goddess of Mercy) from China to Taiwan. The monk settled here at Bantianyan (Half-day Rock), built a grass hut for worship, and practiced here. Over time, as the miracles of Guanyin became known, more devotees began to join in the worship. The temple's location is on a mountainside, and it was named Bantianyan; "yan" refers to a rocky area, and “yan shan si” (rocky mountain temple) is how the Min people refer to mountain temples. Therefore, the character "yan" itself signifies a Buddhist temple by the mountains, and Bantianyan refers to a temple. Additionally, with the constant presence of purple clouds in the mountains, the temple is also known as Ziyun.
