Not just the birthplace of Chairman Guo, Cihui Temple — Taiwan’s seven most popular and bustling Mazu temples

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family / Compiled Report
 
Mazu has long been an important folk belief in Taiwan, and recently, due to numerous national events, the Mazu temples across the country have seen even greater bustling activity. The following seven major Mazu temples allow worshippers to avoid the crowds — as long as your heart is sincere, the prayers will be answered.

1.Grand Mazu Temple
 
Located south of Chihkan Tower, the Grand Mazu Temple is a first-class historical site and one of the oldest officially built Mazu temples in Taiwan. The main hall enshrines a giant golden-faced Mazu statue, with the majestic and lifelike Thousand-Mile Eyes and Wind-Following Ears standing guard beside her. All three divine statues showcase the pinnacle of clay sculpture craftsmanship. The rear hall of the Grand Mazu Temple enshrines the Matchmaker God, attracting many worshippers who come here to pray for love and marriage.
 
 
Address: No. 18, Lane 227, Section 2, Yongfu Road, West Central District, Tainan City

2.Dajia Zhenlan Temple
 
Dajia Zhenlan Temple is one of the most important temples in Taiwan and a spiritual home for the people of Dajia. The temple primarily worships Mazu. Every year during the lunar March “Mazu Fever,” tens of thousands of devotees follow the Dajia Mazu statue on an 8-day, 9-night, 200-plus-kilometer pilgrimage to Fengtian Temple in Xingang. The event draws nationwide attention and is hailed alongside the Vatican’s Christmas Mass and the Hajj to Mecca as one of the world’s three major religious events — a spectacle of unparalleled grandeur.
 
Address: No. 158, Shuntian Road, Dajia District, Taichung City

3.Baishatun Gongtian Temple
 
Baishatun Gongtian Temple is located in Tongxiao, Miaoli. Its annual pilgrimage is a treasured cultural and folk asset of Taiwan, featuring a grand and lively scene. The temple has a history of over 150 years and attracts numerous worshippers every year who come not only to pay their respects but also to join the sacred parade.
 
Address: No. 8, Baidong Li, Tongxiao Township, Miaoli County

4.Songshan Cide Temple
 
Songshan Cide Temple, originally named Xikou Mazu Temple, was built in the 18th year of the Qianlong reign. The Mazu spirit was brought from Meizhou to Xikou, and after four years of construction, the temple was completed in the 22nd year of Qianlong, becoming the center of faith for the thirteen neighborhoods of Xikou. It is also a popular temple for travelers who visit the night market and come to worship.
 
Address: No. 761, Section 4, Bade Road, Songshan District, Taipei City