Cihu Temple Introduction
Commonly known as "Jinbaoli Mazu Temple," it is the largest temple in Jinshan, primarily dedicated to the golden-faced Mazu and serves as a local center of faith, affectionately referred to as the "Great Temple" by the residents. Locals believe that touching the dragon pillars will bring wealth, which is why the tips of the dragon pillars and the round balls have become polished from constant rubbing. The Thousand-Mile Eye and the Shunfeng Ear beside Mazu hold gold ingots, symbolizing the invitation of wealth and prosperity. With a history of 200 years, Jinshan Cihu Temple is not only the most significant Mazu temple on the northern coast but also has an intriguing legend about the miraculous connection between Jinshan Mazu and Yehliu. According to local folklore, during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty (1796-1820), the "golden-faced Mazu" deity drifted at sea and later washed ashore at the Yehliu coastal stone cave (now known as Mazu Cave), where it was worshipped by local villagers. Due to the frequent divine manifestations and extraordinary efficacy of Mazu, crowds of worshippers flocked to pay their respects. The villagers of Yehliu desired to build a large temple for worship, and thus in the 14th year of the Jiaqing reign (1809), the temple was completed in Jinshan and named "Tianhou Temple," where the Mazu deity was warmly welcomed and enshrined. Having lost Mazu, the people of Yehliu have always cherished her in their hearts, yet they felt helpless. After several negotiations between the residents of Jinshan and Yehliu, it was decided that every year, Mazu would be invited to return for one day to the coastal erosion cave where she was discovered, allowing the people of Yehliu to pay their respects, which is the primary reason for Jinshan Mazu's visits to Yehliu.
