Fangli Shuntian Temple, Chinese temple in Yuanli Township, Miaoli County, Taiwan.
Fangli Shuntian Temple is a Chinese temple in Yuanli Township, Miaoli County, Taiwan, featuring traditional architecture with rammed earth walls, stone foundations, and wooden structural elements imported from mainland China. The building is adorned with carvings and details that reflect the skilled craftsmanship invested in the construction of this sacred space.
The temple was founded in 1856 by Quanzhou settlers as a response to regional conflicts with people from Zhangzhou. Major restoration work took place in 1926, 1964, and again between 2011 and 2012 to preserve and strengthen its structure.
The temple is dedicated to the worship of Mazu, the sea goddess, with additional altars for deities like Chenghuangye and Zhusheng Niangniang in the main hall. Visitors can observe the devotional practices and how different deity shrines are arranged, reflecting the spiritual life of the community.
The temple is open to visitors during operating hours, and it is wise to wear respectful clothing and watch your step as the grounds can be uneven. Looking at the surrounding area of Yuanli helps you understand the rural history and settlement layout of the region.
Three historical plaques from 1891, 1910, and 1928 hang above the temple doors, documenting different stages in the building's recognition and importance. These inscriptions are visible markers of the site's ongoing significance to the local community across generations.
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