The exotic roofline at Beigang's Chaotian Temple is one of the many wonders to be seen there

Located a few km northwest of the central Taiwanese city of Chiayi is the city of Beigang, where the flamboyantly exotic temple of Chaotian is situated. It’s one of Taiwan’s most important temples dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu, the deity of one of the major folk beliefs in the coastal provinces in Taiwan and China. It’s not to be missed if you’re anywhere close to the area.

Millions of pilgrims come her every year, and the temple is always packed with activity. Shops surrounding the front of the temple are filled with colorful offerings and incense. It’s dramatically carved colorful roofs are a great part of its beauty, as are the numerous ceramic sculptures of animals and deities. Building of the temple began in 1694. The front hall includes the Sanchuan Hall with Dragon-Tiger Gates alongside. Sanchuan Hall is for conferrals of divinities to positions such as“wang” (prince), “fei” (concubine of the emperor) or “general.”  The original Sanchuan Hall was destroyed by the fire in 1894, and reconstruction includes elements made by the famous craftsman, Yingbin Chen, in 1912. The hall has been regarded as the richest and most delicate in terms of its carving and decoration.

We here at WoWasis recommend at least two hours at the temple, including a brief walk to the colorful shops at the front.

Chaotian Temple in Beigang
178 Jhongshan Rd.
Beigang, Yunling County
Tel (05) 783-2055
http://www.matsu.org.tw/IndexE.aspx
GPS: N23°34.101’  E120°18.274’