Introduction to Beigang Chaotian Temple
Located in Beigang Township, Yunlin County, Beigang Chaotian Temple is one of Taiwan’s most revered and iconic temples dedicated to Mazu, the goddess of the sea. For centuries, this temple has served as a spiritual anchor for coastal communities, attracting millions of worshippers and pilgrims each year.
It’s not just a religious center—it’s a cultural hub rich in rituals, festivals, and local pride.
A Temple with Deep Historical Roots
Founded in 1694 during the Qing Dynasty, Beigang Chaotian Temple has grown from a local shrine into a major pilgrimage destination. With more than 300 years of history, the temple has endured political changes, natural disasters, and social transformation—yet it remains a symbol of continuity and devotion in Taiwanese folk religion.
Each brick and carving tells a story of Taiwan’s coastal communities and their bond with the divine.
Architectural Splendor & Symbolism
The temple’s architecture is a masterpiece of traditional Fujian-style craftsmanship, adorned with vibrant roof dragons, stone lions, carved wooden beams, and intricate temple paintings. Every detail—whether it’s the elaborate roof ridge or the guardian doors—holds religious symbolism.
Inside, visitors will find richly decorated halls and altars dedicated to Mazu, flanked by other Taoist deities such as Qianliyan (千里眼) and Shunfeng’er (順風耳).
A Living Center of Folk Religion
Chaotian Temple is not just a historic monument—it’s alive with daily prayer, incense offerings, and community rituals.
Locals come to pray for health, peace, family, and success, while pilgrims from across Taiwan and abroad walk hundreds of kilometers during the annual Mazu pilgrimage (遶境), making this one of the largest religious events in the Chinese-speaking world.
Festivals and Pilgrimage Highlights
One of the most captivating reasons to visit is during Mazu’s birthday celebrations (the 23rd day of the 3rd lunar month), when Chaotian Temple becomes the starting point of a massive multi-day pilgrimage.
The temple’s square fills with lion dances, firecrackers, food vendors, and processions, offering a rare and powerful experience of Taiwan’s living cultural heritage.
Why Beigang Chaotian Temple Belongs on Your Itinerary
Whether you’re a cultural traveler, history buff, or spiritual explorer, Beigang Chaotian Temple offers a deeply authentic look into Taiwan’s religious traditions and community life.
Combined with nearby attractions like Beigang Old Street, local food specialties, and scenic riverside views, a visit here connects you to something timeless—and deeply Taiwanese.
Deities Worshipped at Beigang Chaotian Temple
Beigang Chaotian Temple is primarily dedicated to Mazu (媽祖), the beloved sea goddess and protector of fishermen and travelers. However, the temple is home to a pantheon of important Taoist and folk deities, each offering different kinds of blessings. Here’s an overview of the key gods and what they represent:
Mazu (媽祖)
The main deity of the temple, Mazu is known as the Heavenly Holy Mother. She is revered for offering protection to seafarers, ensuring safe journeys, and blessing devotees with peace, health, and good fortune.
Key roles:
Protector of fishermen, sailors, and travelers
Bringer of safety, harmony, and maternal care
Qianliyan (千里眼) & Shunfeng’er (順風耳)
These two generals are Mazu’s loyal guardians. Their names mean “Thousand-Mile Eye” and “Wind-Following Ear,” symbolizing their abilities to see and hear all things, even from far away. They help Mazu observe and protect her followers.
Key roles:
Guardians of justice and divine surveillance
Help Mazu respond quickly to prayers
Wenchang Dijun (文昌帝君)
The God of Literature and Exams, Wenchang Dijun is worshipped by students seeking success in academics and civil service exams.
Key roles:
Patron of scholars, education, and learning
Invoked for wisdom and exam success
Tudi Gong (土地公)
Also known as the Earth God, Tudi Gong protects local land and communities. He is often worshipped for household blessings, good harvests, and business prosperity.
Key roles:
Bringer of wealth, stability, and local safety
Popular among merchants and homeowners
Zhusheng Niangniang (註生娘娘)
She is the Goddess of Fertility and Childbirth, prayed to by couples hoping to conceive or ensure a safe pregnancy and healthy child.
Key roles:
Assists with fertility and childbirth
Protects children and mothers
How to Pray at Beigang Chaotian Temple
Praying at Beigang Chaotian Temple is a personal yet deeply traditional experience. Whether you’re seeking blessings or simply want to participate in local culture, here’s how to do it respectfully and meaningfully.
Step-by-Step Guide to Praying
Get Incense and Offerings
Upon entering, you’ll find incense available near the main entrance or donation counters. Some visitors also bring fruit, flowers, or snacks as offerings to Mazu and the other deities.
Start at the Main Altar – Mazu
Begin your prayer at the main hall dedicated to Mazu (媽祖). Holding the incense with both hands, bow three times while silently stating your full name, date of birth, address, and what you’re praying for (e.g., health, family, exams, travel safety).
Continue to Other Altars
Walk clockwise through the temple. Stop at side altars dedicated to other important deities such as Qianliyan (千里眼) and Shunfeng’er (順風耳), who are Mazu’s divine assistants. You may repeat the same prayer format or pray for different things depending on the deity.
Place the Incense in the Burner
After praying at each altar, place your incense stick into the censer (incense burner) in front of the deity. Be mindful not to stick incense upside down—this is considered disrespectful.
Optional: Draw a Fortune Stick
If you want guidance, go to the divination area to draw a numbered bamboo fortune stick (求籤). You’ll need to shake the container until one stick falls, then confirm it with moon blocks (擲筊) before receiving your written fortune (籤詩).
Things to Do at Beigang Chaotian Temple
Visiting Beigang Chaotian Temple is more than just sightseeing—it’s a full cultural experience. Here are the top things to do to help you make the most of your visit:
Offer Incense and Pray to Mazu
Start your visit by paying homage to Mazu, the sea goddess worshipped for protection and guidance. Worshippers light incense, state their name and wish, and bow three times in front of the main altar. It’s a peaceful way to participate in local spiritual life, even for non-believers.
Key Points:
Experience an authentic Taiwanese prayer ritual
Ask for blessings related to health, travel, or family
Draw a Fortune Stick
You can ask the goddess for guidance by drawing a numbered fortune stick (求籤). After praying sincerely, shake the container until one stick falls out, then read the corresponding slip. If needed, confirm the result by tossing moon blocks (擲筊).
Key Points:
Receive personal insights or guidance
Learn a fun and meaningful temple custom
Explore the Temple’s Architecture
Admire the temple’s beautifully carved woodwork, stone guardians, and painted beams. From the dragon pillars to the intricate roof sculptures, every part of the temple tells a symbolic story drawn from Chinese folklore and religion.
Key Points:
See authentic southern Fujian-style temple design
Understand traditional Chinese religious symbolism
Witness or Join a Ritual Ceremony
If you visit during special days, such as Mazu’s birthday or local festivals, you’ll see lively religious performances, incense parades, and Taoist blessings. These ceremonies show the living side of Taiwanese folk religion.
Key Points:
Experience Taiwan’s religious festivals up close
Great opportunity for cultural photos and learning
Shop for Amulets and Temple Souvenirs
Pick up a blessed charm (平安符) or talisman for protection, success, or love. Vendors also offer scrolls, incense, and prayer plaques, all of which make meaningful souvenirs or gifts for friends and family.
Key Points:
Take home spiritual souvenirs with cultural value
Support local vendors and temple traditions
Walk Beigang Old Street Nearby
Just outside the temple, Beigang Old Street is lined with traditional snack shops, heritage buildings, and artisan stalls. Grab a bite of famous peanut candy or black sugar cake, or browse handmade crafts and temple-themed trinkets.
Key Points:
Enjoy local street food and snacks
Explore the old-town charm of Beigang
Temple Etiquette in Taiwan
Visiting a temple in Taiwan is both a spiritual and cultural experience, and it’s important to follow some basic etiquette to show respect.
Enter Through the Right Door, Exit on the Left
Which Doors Do I Walk Through?
Traditionally, the entrance and exit process follows a symbolic order. The main gate has three doors, and each has meaning in Taiwanese religious culture. Enter through the dragon gate (right side) and exit through the tiger gate (left side). The central door is usually reserved for the gods or special ceremonies—do not to walk through it unless permitted.
If you’re visiting a Temple for the first time, understanding which door to use—and why—can enhance both your cultural experience and your respect for local customs. Here’s a simple guide:
Enter Through the Dragon Door (Right Side)
As you face the temple from the front, the door on the right is called the “Dragon Gate” (龍門).
This is the proper entrance.
In Chinese culture, the dragon represents auspicious energy, power, and growth.
Visitors and worshippers should enter from the right side to show respect and follow tradition.
Exit Through the Tiger Door (Left Side)
After your visit or worship, exit using the door on the left, known as the “Tiger Gate” (虎門).
The tiger represents protection and balance in traditional belief.
Using this left-side exit follows the natural yin-yang flow of energy through the temple.
This practice symbolizes a complete spiritual journey—you enter to connect, and leave with blessing and harmony.
Avoid Walking Through the Center Door
Do not to walk through it unless permitted
The center door is usually reserved for gods, temple staff, or special religious leaders.
This door is considered sacred and is often roped off or left unused by the public.
Walking through the center gate is traditionally seen as disrespectful unless you are part of an official procession or ceremony.
Pro Tip: There are signs near the doors in Chinese (and often in English), but if unsure, follow what locals are doing — and walk quietly and respectfully.
Dress Code for Visiting Temples in Taiwan
Eating upon entering a temple is not permitted. You can enter most Taiwanese temples if you are wearing a vest, shorts, skirt, sandals, sunglasses, etc.
There is no special dress code for visiting temples in Taiwan. Just wear normal clothes. In the minds of locals, you can wear whatever you like, but you must dress modestly in the temple.
What to Wear
Taiwanese temples are generally welcoming, but modest and respectful attire is appreciated, especially in religious or prayer areas.
Recommended attire includes:
Tops: T-shirts, blouses, or shirts that cover the shoulders and chest
Bottoms: Pants, long skirts, or knee-length shorts
Shoes: Comfortable walking shoes or sandals (you usually don’t have to remove them unless entering a shrine room)
What to Avoid
While you won’t be turned away for casual wear, it’s best to avoid:
Very short shorts or mini skirts
Clothing with offensive logos, profanity, or heavy political messages
Cultural Considerations
No need for head coverings, unless you’re joining a specific Buddhist ritual where it’s customary.
Always dress more conservatively if you’re visiting during a religious holiday, festival, or ceremony.
Remove hats and sunglasses inside shrine areas as a sign of respect.
Be Quiet and Respectful
Keep your voice low and your phone on silent mode. Avoid running, shouting, or treating the temple like a tourist attraction. Photography is usually allowed in public areas but avoid flash or taking photos of worshippers.
Follow Local Customs When Drawing Fortune Sticks
When drawing a divination stick (求籤), first state your name, date of birth, and question silently to the deity. Shake the bamboo cylinder gently until one stick falls out. Be respectful with the ritual—even if you’re doing it for fun.
Bonus Tip: Ask If You’re Unsure
Temple volunteers or caretakers are often happy to help explain customs. If you’re not sure how to behave, simply observe locals or ask politely in English or with translation apps.
Opening Hours
Opening Hours: 04:30–00:00
Price
Cost: Free Entrance
The Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Beigang Chaotian Temple is during spring and autumn, particularly March to May and September to November, when the weather in Yunlin is comfortable and ideal for walking through the temple and nearby streets.
For a truly unforgettable experience, plan your trip around Mazu’s birthday celebrations (the 23rd day of the 3rd lunar month), when thousands of pilgrims flock to Beigang for one of Taiwan’s largest religious festivals.
This period brings parades, folk performances, and a vibrant, spiritual energy unlike any other time of year. On regular weekdays, the temple is quieter, allowing for a more reflective and peaceful visit.
How to Get to Beigang Chaotian Temple
By High-Speed Rail + Bus (Fast & Convenient)
Take the HSR to Chiayi Station, then transfer to Chiayi Bus (7235) which goes directly to Beigang Chaotian Temple. The bus drops you off right in front of the temple, making it a smooth, one-transfer trip from major cities.
Key Points:
Smooth connection: HSR → direct bus to temple
Ideal for travelers coming from Taipei, Taichung, or Kaohsiung
By Taiwan Rail + Bus (Budget-Friendly)
If you’re traveling via regular train, ride as far as Douliu or Chiayi stations, then hop on a local bus (e.g., Taixi Bus 7123/7124 from Douliu, or Chiayi Bus from Chiayi). These buses stop near Beigang Chaotian Temple.
Key Points:
Affordable, all-rail-plus-bus journey
Serves budget-conscious travelers or those with flexible schedules
By Direct Intercity Bus (Simple & Direct)
From Taipei or Kaohsiung, take a direct intercity bus (e.g., UBus 1633 or 1650/1651) to Beigang Town, then walk just 5 minutes to the temple. No need to transfer—an easy single-trip route.
Key Points:
Direct, transfer-free route
Great for one-seat travelers from major cities
Pro Tip:
If you’re visiting during Mazu’s birthday pilgrimage (March), roads and parking can get congested. Many travelers park near Xinxing Temple in Singang then walk or shuttle across the Beigang Tourist Bridge to avoid traffic delays