Pitou Hexing Temple is dedicated primarily to Tianshang Shengmu (Mazu) and preserves the traditional Minnan temple layout, serving as the religious center of Pitou Township. Inside the temple, an unexploded bomb from the Second World War is enshrined. The bomb is regarded by worshippers as evidence of divine intervention, giving rise to a distinctive temple legend. It is a rare historical case in Taiwan's rural temples where a wartime relic and folk religion belief coexist.
What to see at Pitou Hexing Temple
Hexing Temple was founded during the Qing dynasty and is dedicated primarily to Tianshang Shengmu. The temple architecture follows the traditional Minnan three-bay-hall (sanchuandian) layout with a wide forecourt, and the annual lunar calendar temple fair attracts worshippers from surrounding townships. The unexploded bomb preserved inside the temple reportedly hit the ground without detonating during the war. Worshippers regarded this as a miracle of divine protection and enshrined the bomb in the temple, where it became a unique historical artifact.
The presence of this unexploded bomb sets Hexing Temple apart from the many other Mazu temples in Taiwan, drawing history researchers and curious visitors who make a point of coming to see it. The temple's own craftsmanship is also worth examining closely: the cut-porcelain ridge decorations and stone-carved components are in good condition, making it one of the representative examples of traditional temple architecture in southern Changhua.
How to make the most of your visit
Practical information
Getting there & timing
- Pitou Township has no train station. Driving is required; from Beidou Township, head south for about 10 minutes to reach Hexing Village. There is parking space in front of the temple.
- The temple is open year-round; daytime visits, when incense burning is most active, are best. During the Mazu birthday fair (3rd lunar month), crowds are at their peak — confirm the event dates in advance.
Nearby connections
- Beidou Dian'an Temple is about 10 to 15 minutes away. Combining the two into a southern Changhua temple culture half-day trip is easy.
- Heading south extends the itinerary to the Dacheng Zhuoshui River estuary for a full day combining natural ecology with the temple visit.
Source: Pitou Township Office, Hexing Temple historical records. Photos to be replaced with Dio's own shots.