Houlong Ciyun Temple is a Mazu temple in Houlong Township, Miaoli County, founded in 1771 during the Qianlong reign of the Qing dynasty and one of the township's oldest centers of worship. The main hall maintains the traditional southern Fujian temple layout, and the plaza in front hosts Hakka eight-tone music performances during festivals, making it the central site of Houlong's local cultural life.
According to the Ministry of the Interior's Taiwan Religious Culture Map and Academia Sinica's Cultural Resources GIS, Houlong Ciyun Temple was founded in 1771 during the Qing-dynasty Qianlong reign — not the Jiaqing reign as sometimes claimed. It underwent restorations during the Daoguang, Tongzhi, and Guangxu eras, a major rebuild in 1916, and suffered structural damage in the 1935 Hsinchu–Taichung earthquake.
Highlights of Houlong Ciyun Temple
Although Ciyun Temple's main hall has undergone multiple renovations, the existing structure still preserves the traditional southern Fujian sanchuan-dian (three-bay hall) layout, including the tiered ridgepole roof, cut-and-paste ceramic decoration, and carved stone door lintels. The temple interior houses several historical plaques, some traceable to the Qing dynasty, recording contributions by local gentry and the temple's history of development — a documentary supplement for understanding the settlement history of Houlong Township.
The plaza in front of the temple is an important public space in Houlong Township. During festivals such as Mazu's birthday (the twenty-third day of the third lunar month), the temple invites Hakka eight-tone music ensembles to perform, showcasing the Hakka musical culture of Miaoli. Hakka eight-tone music is performed on traditional instruments including suona, erhu, and percussion; its distinct timbre makes it one of the most fully preserved performing arts in Taiwan's Hakka culture.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Practical Information
Getting There & Timing
- Alight at Houlong Station on the Taiwan Railways, then walk about 10 to 15 minutes, or take a taxi about 5 minutes.
- By car: Follow Provincial Highway 1 to Houlong Township's Zhongzheng Road. Parking space is available near the temple plaza; parking is harder on festival days.
- The temple is open all day; no admission fee. For festival event schedules, confirm with the temple.
Nearby Connections
- Tongsiao Coastal Recreation Area: about 15 minutes south by car — connects to a coastal sunset itinerary.
- Tongsiao Shinto Shrine: from Houlong, head south on Provincial Highway 1 — about 20 minutes by car.
- Cape Good Hope Viewpoint: another landmark within Houlong Township offering views over Miaoli's coastline — can be combined with Ciyun Temple for a Houlong half-day tour.
Source: Houlong Ciyun Temple materials; Miaoli County Culture and Tourism Bureau. Photos pending replacement with Dio's own shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Houlong Ciyun Temple founded?
It was founded in 1771 during the Qianlong reign of the Qing dynasty, giving it a history of over 250 years.
Which deity is enshrined at Houlong Ciyun Temple?
The temple's main deity is Mazu, making it an important center of Mazu worship in Houlong Township.
When can visitors see the Hakka eight-tone music performances?
The period around Mazu's birthday, the 23rd day of the third lunar month, offers the most opportunities to see performances.
Sources
- 後龍慈雲宮攻炮城-臺灣宗教文化地圖（內政部） — 創建年代考據（清乾隆36年，1771年）
- 後龍慈雲宮-文化資源地理資訊系統（中央研究院） — 沿革與修繕紀錄