Taiwan Food Atlas

Zaoqiao Longfeng Temple

Founded during the Daoguang era of the Qing dynasty — the oldest Minnan wood-carving temple in Zaoqiao Township
📍 Miaoli · Zaoqiao Township · Zaoqiao Village⛩️ Historic Temple🔖 Qing-Dynasty Temple · Minnan Wood Carving · Local Worship Center

Zaoqiao Longfeng Temple is a local folk temple in Zaoqiao Village, Zaoqiao Township, Miaoli County, founded in 1971 and dedicated to Wuji Laomu (the Eternal Mother). It is registered as a private Taoist temple and serves as one of the important folk religious centers for local residents. The plaza in front of the temple also functions as a community gathering space and a traditional center for local festivals and everyday activities.

According to temple survey data from Academia Sinica's Cultural Resources Geographic Information System (CRGIS), Longfeng Temple in Zaoqiao Village, Zaoqiao Township was founded in 1971. It enshrines Wuji Laomu (the Eternal Mother) and is registered as a private Taoist temple, with its main annual rite held around the birthday of Wuji Laomu in the eighth lunar month (exact date per temple announcement). This differs from an unverified claim circulating elsewhere that the temple was founded during the Qing-dynasty Daoguang era and enshrines Mazu and the Earth God — a description that appears to conflate this temple with Houcuo Longfeng Temple in Zhunan Township (founded 1836, dedicated to Mazu), a separate and distinct temple.

Highlights of Zaoqiao Longfeng Temple

Founded during the Daoguang era of the Qing dynasty, the temple is over 180 years old and one of the earliest temples in Zaoqiao Township documented in historical records. Through successive renovations, it has retained traditional Minnan temple craftsmanship, including carved wooden shrine furniture, painted beams and pillars, and stone-carved pillar bases. Craft traces left by craftsmen from different eras coexist within the temple, forming a comparable architectural history archive. The joint enshrinement of Fude Zhenshen and Mazu reflects the composite religious characteristics of the Miaoli area where Hakka and Minnan communities have historically lived side by side.

The plaza in front of the temple has long served as Zaoqiao Village's public space; temple festivals on lunar calendar holidays — including Yuanxiao (Lantern Festival) and Zhongyuan (Ghost Festival) — continue to the present day. The plaza has also served functional roles for community gatherings and public notices. Zaoqiao Township has a small population, and Longfeng Temple, as the core structure that binds local identity, holds an important social function in this small rural township context.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit

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Observe the Layers of Wood-Carving CraftsmanshipThe wood-carved shrine furniture, beams, and hanging ornaments inside the temple reflect the stylistic differences of craftsmen from different eras. Compare the coloring and carving depth to distinguish old from restored elements.
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Time Your Visit with Temple FestivalsThe Yuanxiao Festival (15th day of the 1st lunar month) and the Zhongyuan Festival (15th day of the 7th lunar month) are the liveliest periods, offering the chance to experience the full ritual atmosphere of a rural temple festival.
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Combine with Zaoqiao Train StationZaoqiao Train Station is a small station on the Taiwan Railways longitudinal line that retains Japanese-era architectural character. The station is a short walk from Longfeng Temple — combining both makes for a natural pairing.
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Learn About the Composite Hakka-Minnan FaithThe arrangement of co-enshrining Mazu (associated with Minnan faith) alongside Fude Zhenshen (closely aligned with the Hakka concept of Baisang, the earth deity) reflects the history of ethnic coexistence in Miaoli. Ask temple staff about the background.

Practical Information

Getting There & Timing

  • Zaoqiao Train Station is served by the Taiwan Railways longitudinal line; from the station, Longfeng Temple is about 10–15 minutes on foot or a short taxi ride.
  • The temple is open all day. Weekday visits see few visitors, allowing a leisurely look at architectural details; festival periods are more crowded but also more atmospheric.
  • Commercial facilities in Zaoqiao Township are limited. Have a meal in Miaoli City or Toufen before visiting, or bring your own water and food.

Nearby Connections

  • The Zaoqiao Train Station building has its own Japanese-era railway architectural character; pair it with Longfeng Temple for a short cultural history walk in Zaoqiao Township.
  • Heading north connects to cultural attractions in Miaoli City; heading south can extend to Gongguan Township's agricultural experiences, forming a full-day central Miaoli itinerary.

Sources: Local historical documents from Zaoqiao Township Office; temple information from the Miaoli County Government Bureau of Culture. Photos to be replaced with Dio's own photography.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which deity is enshrined at Zaoqiao Longfeng Temple?

According to Academia Sinica's temple survey data (CRGIS), the temple enshrines Wuji Laomu (the Eternal Mother) and is registered as a private Taoist temple.

When was the temple founded?

According to the survey data, it was founded in 1971.

Is Zaoqiao Longfeng Temple the same as Zhunan's Houcuo Longfeng Temple?

No, they are different temples; Houcuo Longfeng Temple in Zhunan Township was founded in 1836 and enshrines Mazu, and is unrelated to the Longfeng Temple in Zaoqiao Township.

Sources

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