Yanhang Tianhou Temple

Yanhang Tianhou Temple is a sanctuary dedicated to Mazu, the sea goddess, located in Yongkang District, Tainan, featuring ornate roof decorations and traditional architectural elements rooted in ancient maritime worship. The main shrine houses the principal deity statue and displays intricate craftsmanship that reveals the religious iconography and building techniques characteristic of Taiwanese temple architecture.

The original shrine was established in 1696 during the Qing Dynasty, functioning as an important hub for commerce and maritime religious activities at Zhouzaiwei Port. The current structure dates from a 1968 reconstruction that preserved the site's cultural heritage.

The temple serves as a place where visitors can observe the veneration of Mazu, the sea goddess, through daily prayers and offerings made by local devotees. Religious practices here reflect centuries-old maritime traditions that remain visible in how people interact with the space.

The temple is located at 690 Zhongzheng South Road and welcomes visitors daily who wish to observe religious practices and explore architectural details. Since it remains an active place of worship, it helps to check local opening hours in advance, as special occasions and ceremonies may draw larger crowds.

The temple houses stone horses and pillars originally from the tomb of scholar Zheng Qiren, designated as cultural heritage in 2015 and displayed here as protected artifacts. These pieces connect the shrine directly to Taiwan's early settlement period and provide visible links to nearly 400 years of local history.