Suao Nantian Temple, Taiwan (臺灣南天宮媽祖廟)

 

Suao Nantian Temple in Taiwan [Sohu.com]

Suao Nantian Temple, or Nantiangong, is one of the most famous Mazu temples in Taiwan. Mazu, also known as Tianhou, is an indigenous goddess of the sea who, it is said, protects fishermen and sailors. She is widely worshipped in the south-eastern coastal areas of China and neighboring areas in Southeast Asia, especially Zhejiang, Fujian, Taiwan, Guangdong, Hainan and Vietnam, all of which have strong sea-faring traditions. The three-storey Nantian Temple houses two marvelous statues of the goddess Mazu. One statue is made of jade, the other of 200kg of pure gold.

Travel tips:

Admission: free

Getting there: Take coach from Yilan to Nanfang'ao.