Zhaoying Temple is a Qing-dynasty Mazu temple on Zhongshan Road in Yilan City, built in 1808 during the Jiaqing reign. Dedicated to Mazu, the Heavenly Mother, it was designated a county-level historic site by the Yilan County Government in 2006, having earlier been listed as a national third-grade historic site. The main hall preserves Qing-dynasty plaques and deity statues, and the annual Mazu birthday procession on the 23rd day of the third lunar month is the largest religious event in Yilan County.
Zhaoying Temple was founded in 1808 (the 13th year of the Jiaqing reign) and relocated to its present east-facing site in 1834. In 2006 the Yilan County Government redesignated it a county-level historic site under the Cultural Heritage Preservation Act, having previously been listed as a national third-grade historic site.
Highlights of Zhaoying Temple
Zhaoying Temple was founded during the Jiaqing reign of the Qing dynasty, roughly concurrent with Yilan's establishment as a prefecture — reflecting how deeply Han settlers in early Yilan relied on Mazu worship. The temple architecture has been renovated multiple times, yet the main hall still preserves several Qing-dynasty plaques, which are important physical artefacts for the study of Yilan's temple history. The stretch of Zhongshan Road in front of the temple gates forms the main commercial street of Yilan City, with temple and streetscape tightly interwoven.
The procession held around the 23rd day of the third lunar month — Mazu's birthday — is Yilan County's largest religious gathering, drawing large crowds of devotees and visitors. On ordinary days the temple is open for worship, with a constant flow of incense. The side halls and rear hall enshrine several accompanying deities; taking the time to observe the spatial arrangement of divine figures throughout the temple is worthwhile.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Practical Information
Getting There
- Located on Zhongshan Road in Yilan City; about a 15–20-minute walk from Yilan Train Station. Multiple local bus routes pass by.
- The temple is open year-round, free of charge. On weekday mornings the incense crowd is lighter — a good time to study the architecture and plaques in peace.
- The lunar March procession date is calculated on the lunar calendar; check the exact schedule for the relevant year before visiting.
Nearby Connections
- Yilan Governance Memorial Hall is about a 10-minute walk away — both are within the old city area and make a natural pair.
- Yilan Riverside Park is 15 minutes on foot; you can stroll or cycle along the river to extend your itinerary.
Source: Yilan County Cultural Affairs Bureau historic site records and temple public information. Photos pending Dio's on-location shoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Zhaoying Temple built?
Zhaoying Temple was built in 1808, the 13th year of the Qing-dynasty Jiaqing reign, making it one of Yilan City's oldest Mazu temples.
What historic site grade is Zhaoying Temple?
It was designated a county-level historic site by the Yilan County Government in 2006, having previously been listed as a national third-grade historic site.
What is the temple's main annual event?
The procession held around the 23rd day of the third lunar month, Mazu's birthday, is the largest religious gathering in Yilan County.
Sources
- 昭應宮 - 國家文化資產網 — 文化部文化資產局，建廟年代與縣定古蹟指定紀錄
- 昭應宮 - 維基百科 — 建廟沿革與遷址歷史