Tianhou Temple (a nationally designated heritage site) was founded in 1604, the 32nd year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty, and is the oldest surviving Mazu temple in Taiwan. Situated in the old street district of Magong, it has stood witness to four centuries of immigration, commerce, and religious life in Penghu. Whether you are drawn by traditional architecture, religious culture, or simply want to understand Penghu’s origins, this temple merits a visit. The Mazu statue enshrined here was originally brought from Meizhou, Fujian — among the earliest recorded Mazu icons in Taiwan’s temple network.
Highlights
The main hall follows a classic southern Fujian layout: three courtyards deep with two flanking wings. The central Mazu statue is finely carved, flanked by expressive figures of Thousand-Mile Eye and Fair-Wind Ear. The roof ridges retain their brightly coloured mosaic tilework (jianjian) and Jiaozhitao ceramic figures, reflecting the skill of the original craftsmen. In the left wing, the Qingfeng Pavilion houses a 1604 stone stele recording the negotiation between Ming general Shen Yurong and Dutch captain Wijbrant van Warwijck — one of the earliest documented contacts between Taiwan and Western powers. Stone dragon pillars and decorative wall reliefs throughout the hall are worth examining closely. The temple is active with worshippers year-round; the Mazu Birthday period in the third lunar month draws the largest crowds and most elaborate ceremonies.
Getting There and Nearby
Walk 10 minutes west from Magong Bus Terminal along Zhongzheng Road, or take any Magong city bus to the Cultural Center stop and walk 5 minutes. The temple sits at the heart of Penghu’s old street district: cactus ice cream, brown sugar cake, and dried cauliflower (huacaigan) are all sold within 200 metres. Siyan Well is 100 metres to the west; the Central Old Street commercial area extends eastward from the temple. Guanyinting Seaside Park — approximately 1.5 km away — fits naturally into a half-day itinerary by scooter or bus. Drivers can use Magong City Public Car Park on Guanghua Road, about a 3-minute drive away.