taiwan

Above the entrance of Taizhong City’s Lecheng Temple, there hangs a blessing on painted lanterns: “The wind harmonious, the rain soothful—the country prosperous, the people peaceful.” This blessing greets the thousands of visitors who come to the temple to worship Mazu—a goddess who protects sea travelers and fishermen, as well as being an important figure in the traditional folk religion of southern China’s coastal areas. The Lecheng Temple, constructed in 1791, is one of the oldest temples in central Taiwan—with parts of the temple shimmering in Qing Dynasty architecture.