Zaoqiao Longfeng Temple | Miaoli Attraction

Longfeng Temple was founded during the Daoguang era of the Qing dynasty and is the oldest temple in Zaoqiao Township, enshrining Fude Zhenshen (the Earth God) and Mazu. The temple has preserved traditional Minnan wood-carving craftsmanship through successive renovations, while the plaza in front serves as a community gathering space. It is the traditional center for local festivals and cultural activities, carrying over a century of popular religious life and community memory in Zaoqiao Township.

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.

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