Penghu Mazu Temple was the first Mazu temple built in Taiwan and is at least 400 years old. The temple originally had the names “Niangma Temple”‚ Magong”‚ Tianfei Temple‚ and Magong. The county’s administrative center was named after “Magong”. It is not certain when it was actually built‚ but a stone tablet indicates that a Mazu temple existed on the site in 1604. The temple was rebuilt in 1922‚ becoming the foundation for the layout and appearance of the temple today. Penghu Mazu Temple is a Grade 1 national historic site‚ with a long history‚ and is the oldest temple in Taiwan.
Over 400 years ago‚ Penghu Mazu Temple already stood on the slope facing the sea and with a small hill at its back. Its position with water in front‚ and a hill at the back has not only a fengshui meaning‚ but the fact that it faces north also displays its high level of importance. The wooden carvings and painted decorations have great artistic value and the whole building is rich in historical significance. For example‚ the temple has no dragon pillars within‚ and all the stone pillars were carved from local basalt. The eaves on the roof of the front hall shoot up to the sky‚ and are accompanied by horseback gable walls on the hu long (brick walls) on both sides‚ making the front facade skyline rise and fall in an orderly way‚ creating a special scene. There is a huge spirit screen in front of the temple on which a kylin (mythical Chinese animal that was an auspicious symbol in ancient times) is painted. In addition to offering protection from the strong winds‚ this screen also serves as a stone screen on which films are projected. The screen has the effect of blocking evil and reflecting light. Because the temple is built on a slope‚ after entering the temple‚ you have to climb up the steps in front of the front hall. These are the only eight divinatory trigram-shaped steps (bagua) in Taiwan‚ but counting the steps you will find that there are only seven. The reason is that in ancient times‚ only the emperor's palace was allowed to use nine steps and Mazu should be more modest‚ so two steps are hidden in the temple and next to the kylin screen. Take a look next time you pass!
 The kylin wall in front of the temple has the effect of blocking evil and is like the “screen” that fengshui attaches importance to. | 
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