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Zhaoying Temple

Built in the Jiaqing reign of the Qing dynasty, Zhaoying Temple is the largest Mazu worship center in Yilan County
📍 Yilan · Yilan City · Zhongshan Road⛩️Historic Temples🔖County-Designated Historic Site · Mazu Worship · Lunar March Procession

Zhaoying Temple was built during the Jiaqing reign of the Qing dynasty. It is dedicated to the Heavenly Mother Mazu and is the most important Mazu temple in Yilan County, designated as a county-level historic site. The main hall preserves Qing-dynasty plaques and deity statues. The annual Mazu birthday procession on the 23rd day of the third lunar month is the largest religious event in Yilan County and is the heart of local religious life.

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

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Lunar March Procession (Lunar Month 3)Around the 23rd day of the third lunar month, Mazu's birthday, procession troupes parade through the streets of Yilan City in the county's largest annual religious event.
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Study the Qing-Dynasty PlaquesThe Qing-era plaques hanging in the main hall — their inscriptions and the identities of those who presented them — offer a window into the attitudes of officials and commoners toward Mazu worship at the time. Worth reading carefully.
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The Temple's Spatial LayoutZhaoying Temple follows a traditional multi-courtyard plan, with deities enshrined in the front hall, main hall, and rear hall. Walking a full circuit to observe the overall architectural arrangement is recommended.
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Combine with an Old City WalkThe temple is at the heart of the Zhongshan Road commercial district; Yilan Governance Memorial Hall and Yilan Riverside Park are within walking distance, making it easy to plan a half-day old-city itinerary.

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.

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