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Taiwan’s coastal regions have long been home to numerous fishing communities, with Mazu, the goddess of the sea, playing a crucial role in ensuring the safety of sailors and fishermen. As the saying goes, “Three parts fate when sailing the seas,” highlighting the reliance on Mazu’s protection. Mazu temples, traditionally built facing the sea, are scattered across Taiwan, serving as vital spiritual havens for those who depend on the ocean. Every year, in the third lunar month, the island comes alive with Mazu’s birthday celebrations, marked by vibrant parades and rituals

8 Must-Visit Mazu Temples in Taiwan

台中大甲鎮瀾宮 Dajia Jenn Lann Temple, Taichung

Established in the Qing Dynasty (1750). Dajia Jenn Lann Temple, affectionately known as “Dajia Mazu,” is one of Taiwan’s most revered Mazu temples. The annual pilgrimage, which spans nine days and covers over 300 kilometers across four counties, draws nearly a million devotees each year. It’s considered one of the world’s most significant religious events.

Address: No. 158, Shuntian Rd., Dajia District, Taichung City
Contact: +886 4 2676 3522
Hours: 03:00–23:00

苗栗白沙屯拱天宮 Baishatun Gongtian Temple, Miaoli

Established in the Qing Dynasty, Gongtian Temple is the spiritual hub of Baishatun, home to the soft-bodied Mazu statue, which is older than the temple itself. The temple is famous for its unique pilgrimage to Beigang’s Chaotian Temple. This event, guided by Mazu’s “divine will,” covers about 400 kilometers and is affectionately known as the “Pink Supercar” due to the pink drape over the sedan chair.

Address: No. 8, 2nd Neighborhood, Baidong Village, Tongxiao Township, Miaoli County
Contact: +886 3 779 2058
Hours: 05:00–21:30

雲林北港朝天宮 Beigang Chaotian Temple, Yunlin

Established in Kangxi 33rd Year (1694), Founded by a monk from Fujian, Beigang Chaotian Temple is one of Taiwan’s most important Mazu temples, with the most branch temples across the country. The annual pilgrimages during the Lantern Festival and Mazu’s birthday are particularly grand, transforming the small town of Beigang into a bustling center of worship and celebration.

Address: No. 178, Zhongshan Rd., Beigang Township, Yunlin County
Contact: +886 5 783 2055
Hours: 05:00–00:00

彰化鹿港天后宮 Lukang Tianhou Temple, Changhua

Established in the Ming Dynasty (1591), Lukang Tianhou Temple, originally known as Tianfei Temple, is the first temple in Taiwan to enshrine the Mazu statue from Meizhou, known as the “Black-Faced Mazu” due to the darkened statue from years of incense burning. The temple is a designated national monument, renowned for its exquisite architecture and intricate carvings, making it a treasure trove for historians and art enthusiasts.

Address: No. 430, Zhongshan Rd., Lukang Township, Changhua County
Contact: +886 4 777 9899
Hours: 06:00–22:00

台南鹿耳門天后宮 Luermen Mazu Temple, Tainan

Established in the Ming Dynasty (1661) and founded by the national hero Koxinga, Luermen Mazu Temple houses a statue carved from the rare Chinese wood purple sandalwood. The temple is known for the Tainan Welcome Deities Festival, a grand annual event featuring vibrant parades and traditional performances. The temple’s statue, darkened by incense over the years, is a unique sight with its red lips still faintly visible.

Address: No. 136, Mazu Temple 1st St., Annan District, Tainan City
Contact: +886 6 284 1386
Hours: 05:00–21:00
More Info: Luermen Mazu Temple Website

台南祀典大天后宮 Tainan Grand Matsu Temple

The Grand Matsu Temple, located near Chihkan Tower, is Taiwan’s first government-recognized Mazu temple. Originally the residence of a Ming prince, it was converted into a temple by the Qing government to gain favor with the locals. The grand golden-faced Mazu statue and the temple’s ornate architecture make it a must-visit. The temple’s Moon God is also famous for helping over 300 couples find love each year.

Book here and feel the Mazu power

Address: No. 375, Section 2, Minzu Rd., West Central District, Tainan City
Contact: +886 6 222 7194
Hours: 06:00–21:00

彰化鹿港玻璃媽祖廟-台灣護聖宮 Glass Mazu Temple, Changhua

The Glass Mazu Temple, located in the Changhua Coastal Industrial Park, is the world’s only glass temple. It replicates the architectural style of Lukang Tianhou Temple and is constructed using 70,000 pieces of glass. During the day, sunlight filters through the glass, creating a dazzling display, and at night, the temple lights up with 100,000 LED lights, making it a must-see for both devotees and tourists.

Address: No. 28, Lugong South 4th Rd., Lukang Township, Changhua County
Contact: +886 4 781 1209
Hours: 07:00–18:00

雲林虎尾持法媽祖宮 Chifa Mazu Temple, Huwei, Yunlin

Known as the most beautiful Mazu temple in Taiwan, Chifa Mazu Temple emphasizes environmental protection by not allowing the burning of incense or paper offerings. The temple’s serene atmosphere, coupled with its classical architecture and stunning natural surroundings, makes it a unique spiritual destination that offers visitors a tranquil space for reflection.

Address: No. 46, Xiyuan, Huwei Township, Yunlin County
Contact: +886 5 622 6020
Hours: 07:00–19:00

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