Dali Tiangong Temple (Caoling Qingyun Temple) Introduction
Dali Tiangong Temple, known as the spiritual fortress of the predecessors and the first victory of Lanyang, is located in a fishing village beside the coastal highway in Yilan County. The temple primarily worships the Jade Emperor (Tiangong), who was brought from Zhangzhou to Taiwan. It has been closely related to the development of the Lanyang Plain since ancient times, witnessing the local cultural development of Yilan and remaining a significant center of belief for the locals. This century-old temple features complex architecture and impressive grandeur, backed by the lush Caoling Mountain and facing the vast blue Pacific Ocean. Visitors can even glimpse Guishan Island floating on the sea, making the geographical environment beautiful and scenic, which attracts many tourists who come to appreciate the view. Since its establishment in the 16th year of the Daoguang era (1836), Dali Tiangong Temple has undergone multiple renovations. The pavilions outside the temple rise like clouds, while the interior is adorned with splendid carvings and paintings. Every year on the ninth day of the lunar calendar, a local celebration takes place, attracting countless worshippers from afar. The "Dali Tide Watching" here was once listed as one of the "Eight Scenic Spots of Lanyang." After worshipping and praying, visitors can overlook Guishan Island from the temple's pavilions. On sunny days, the blue sea and sky complement each other beautifully, while rainy days create a misty and dreamy scene with numerous pavilions enveloped in rain. Especially when the northeast monsoon arrives, the coastal waves surge with grandeur, making the atmosphere even more solemn and majestic. At the temple entrance, there are also many shops selling local delicacies such as eel soup, four-broken fish, and stone flower jelly, which are must-try local flavors for worshippers and travelers visiting the temple.
