Songshan Ciyou Temple
Main Deities
About
Finish praying to Mazu, turn around, and you are at one of Taiwan's liveliest night markets. This is Songshan Ciyou Temple, popularly called the Songshan Mazu Temple, standing beside Raohe Street Night Market in Taipei's Songshan District and a classic example of Taiwan's temple-front culture. The main hall has a triple-eave roof, and the rear hall rises six stories high, glowing brilliantly once the lights come on at night. Its main deity is the black-faced Mazu, known for her compassion and answered prayers, and the temple also hosts Zhusheng Niangniang, the Tiger Lord and other deities. Light your incense, make your wish, then step straight into Raohe Night Market next door to eat your way through it. In one visit you walk through both everyday Taiwanese life and its folk faith.
History
In 1753, the eighteenth year of the Qing Qianlong reign, a wandering monk named Lin Shou-yi traveled about collecting donations and built Ciyou Temple. Songshan was still called Xikou then, an important transfer port on the Keelung River, and the temple became the shared center of faith for the residents of thirteen villages and streets. Under Japanese rule, Ciyou Temple was renovated twice, in 1915 and 1937. After the war, in 1981, a fire struck the main hall and it was rebuilt, the temple growing ever grander. From river port to railway stop to today's modern business district, Xikou has changed many times over, and Ciyou Temple has watched it all. Even now, the spot in front of the temple known as Ciyou Temple Entrance is the landmark Songshan locals know best in their daily lives.
Songshan Ciyou Temple
Songshan District, Taipei City
Visitor Info
Address
No. 761, Bade Rd. Sec. 4, Songshan District, Taipei City
Region
Songshan District, Taipei City
Plan Your Visit
- Hours
- Daily 5:30 AM – 10:30 PM
- When to Go
- Mazu's birthday on lunar 3/23 is the most important day of the year at a Mazu temple.
Checked on 2026-10-13 · Sources: Google Maps