DATE:1683

LOCATION: WUSHENG WARD, CENTRAL DISTRICT, TAINAN CITY

DESCRIPTION:

Ta Tien Hou Temple, also known as the Matsu Temple, was used as the palace of the exiled Ming prince Chu Shu-kuei until 1683. In that year, the Ching general Shi Lang had the palace converted into a temple devoted to Matsu, the Goddess of Mercy, who he gave the honorary title of Tien-hou, or "Queen of Heaven". The oldest official temple to Matsu in all of Taiwan, it faces west on a slope looking out to the old city wharf, such that the temple buildings rise majestically from front to back. The central hall consists of seven chambers ( signifying a grade seven ranking ) and is the only remaining structure in Taiwan built in Ming palace style. The temple houses the largest number of plaques from the Ching dynasty. Three of them, presented by the Yung-cheng, Hsien-feng, and Kuang-hsu emperors, ard priceless historical artifacts. The temple is also notable for its large life-like statue of Matsu and the exquisitely carved statues of the secondary gods whose names mean "Eyes of a Thousand Miles" and "Ears of the Wind".