Today we went to Beigang. After we arrived there was a lot of people everywhere and many waiting in line almost from temple to the bridge at the end of Old Street. We get to know that president Tsai Ing-wen will come here. I also wanted to see president so we waited a while. We've seen president just a few seconds but I feel pretty excited and we get lucky coin!

The crowd around this temple is really huge not only today, it's one of most famous temples in Taiwan.













The Chaotian Temple in Beigang was constructed in 1700 for the sea-goddess Mazu. It's one of most important themples in Taiwan.

Beigang was one of the most important ports in the 17th century.

In 1694 the Mazu statue was brought to Beigang from Fujian in China. In 1700 Chen Li-Shum donated a building lot and raised a fund to build Chaotian Temple.

The temple was first expanded in 1730 but that still wasn't enough. In 1773 another project started. In 1854 the temple was expanded to palace-like architectural complex.



See also: Lunar New Year in Taiwan



The temple was renovated many times. In 1894 a fire slightly destroyed the front hall. In 1904 and 1906 earthquakes had also an impact on the building. The temple was reconstructed in 1907, the project was finished in 1912.

Between 1963 and 1972 the new construction of the Golden Furnace, Bell and Drum Tower was carried out and the main hall was raised from 6 to 15 meters.

The demolished parts of wooden structure are also preserved in the temple.

In 1918-1922 the surroundings roads was widened and the walls surrounding the temple was reconstructed along with the urban area.

In the years 1937-1940 burning gold paper was forbidden and the Gold Furnance was demolished. Some of the temple statues were burnt down or kept in private collections. The only Gods left was Mazu and Wu Wenchang.