Houlong Ciyun Temple | Miaoli Attraction

Houlong Ciyun Temple was founded during the Jiaqing reign of the Qing dynasty and is the most important Mazu worship center in Houlong Township, with a history of over two hundred years. The main hall maintains the traditional southern Fujian temple form, and the plaza in front of the temple hosts Hakka eight-tone music performances during festivals, making it the central site of Houlong's local cultural life.

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

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Watch the Eight-Tone Music at Festival TimeThe period around Mazu's birthday (the twenty-third day of the third lunar month) offers the most opportunities to see Hakka eight-tone music performances. Confirm the schedule with the temple or Houlong Township Office.

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Examine the Temple DecorationThe cut-and-paste ceramic ornamentation, carved stone door lintels, and ridgepole decorations of the sanchuan dian are worth a close look; the Qing-era plaques inside contain local development history.

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Read the Temple History PanelsInterpretation panels inside or in front of the temple explain the founding background; reading them alongside Houlong Township's development history adds depth.

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Stroll Through Houlong TownThe temple is on Zhongzheng Road; the town center is walkable from here. Combined with the old street and local snacks, this makes for a relaxed half-day itinerary.

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.

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