Travel Date: 2025/05/31
Nestled quietly amid the green fields of Huwei Township in Yunlin County, Chih-Fa Mazu Temple (持法媽祖宮) is a peaceful haven unlike any other. While it may not boast the grandeur or fame of Beigang’s Chaotian Temple, it more than makes up for it with authenticity, elegance, and mindful simplicity. There are no glittering golden roofs or lavish decorations here - just a heartfelt tribute to Mazu, the beloved sea goddess, set apart from the crowds and surrounded by serene farmland.
Open year-round, Chih-Fa Mazu Temple offers a calming spiritual environment, but it holds a special surprise during the Lunar New Year. From the 1st to the 4th day of the lunar calendar, two extraordinary areas open their gates to the public:
The Dressing Pavilion Garden (梳妝樓園區), a beautifully imagined space that reflects Mazu’s youth, with items like a traditional dressing table thoughtfully arranged to express her early, human life.
The Stone Sculpture Mazu Garden (石雕媽祖園區), which illustrates Mazu’s ascension to divinity. Visitors enter through a path lined with stone carvings of historical figures and blooming osmanthus trees, eventually encountering a hidden giant stone Mazu and a striking 10-meter-tall statue of Wu-De, the God of Wealth.
Set across more than two hectares, the temple is designed in the elegant style of a Jiangnan classical garden - complete with flowing water, arched bridges, pavilions, and scenic walkways. The architecture blends natural serenity with human artistry, featuring Koji ceramics (交趾陶) and vibrant murals that celebrate the depth of Taiwan’s Mazu culture. The entire space invites reflection and reverence without the distraction of loud rituals or ornate excess.
What makes Chih-Fa Mazu Temple truly special is its dedication to tradition, craftsmanship, and sustainability. Built by a group of devoted Mazu followers—guided, they believe, by divine instruction - the temple adheres to classical Taiwanese architectural principles. Highlights include:
- Ceramic details by Master Kuo Chih-Lang, inspired by traditional water wheels
- Vivid guardian paintings by Master Liu Chia-Cheng
- Intricate wood and stone carvings, crafted with elegance and cultural depth
The temple also stands out for its environmentally conscious practices. Unlike many temples, Chih-Fa does not permit joss paper burning and encourages minimal incense use. Their message is clear:
”One stick of incense per censer is enough. Sincerity is what truly matters.”
As a result, Chih-Fa Mazu Temple is considered one of the most eco-friendly religious sites in Taiwan, blending ancient tradition with modern environmental awareness.
During the holiday period, visitors can participate in a variety of symbolic and joyful rituals that offer both spiritual meaning and festive fun:
- Blessing Rice Balls (吃紅圓): Enjoy sweet red glutinous rice balls, symbolizing happiness and completeness.
- Peace Bridge Walk (過平安橋): Cross a ceremonial bridge as 108 celestial generals and 28 constellations are invoked to bless the year ahead.
- Treasure Pot Draw (吉祥聚寶盆): Reach into a pot for a lucky charm or symbolic item representing wealth and good fortune.
- Fortune Candy (喜童發喜糖): Children distribute candy to share joy and blessings.
- Tangerine Divination: Toss divination blocks to receive a lucky tangerine from Mazu, symbolizing great fortune.
- God of Wealth Red Envelopes: Ask for a red envelope from the God of Wealth - if the blocks fall right, you may just receive a symbolic token of prosperity.
Whether you're drawn by faith, art, or a desire for peace, Chih-Fa Mazu Temple offers a uniquely human, artistic, and spiritual journey. Especially during the Lunar New Year, it becomes a living tapestry of Taiwan’s rich cultural and religious traditions - a place to pause, reflect, and embrace blessings for the year to come.
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