Home > 720 Degree VR >Fongtian Temple ::: :::       In terms of pilgrims and tourists, Singang's Fongtian Temple is the most important place of worship in Chiayi County. Classified by the central government as a national relic of the third level, it is so chockfull of religious icons and paraphernalia, traditional arts, and human activity that anyone with an interest in Taiwan's spiritual life can easily spend half a day here.    Fongtian Temple plays an important role in the cult of Mazu, one of the most popular deities in Taiwan. More than 400 temples around the island, and in the Penghu Archipelago, are devoted to Mazu, who more than 1,000 years ago was born an ordinary baby girl in mainland China's Fujian Province. She was later hailed as a goddess of the sea and a protector of sailors and fishermen. Farmers believe she has the power to protect their crops from insects. And in World War II, it was claimed that Mazu appeared in the sky during air raids, and used her skirts to catch and deflect falling bombs.    Mazu has been worshipped in this part of Chiayi County for almost four centuries, but the Fongtian Temple dates from 1811, previous shrines having been destroyed by flooding.    Mazu's birthday is celebrated each year on the 23rd day of the third lunar month - usually sometime in late spring. This is a good time to see Taiwanese Opera and other folk-arts performances. In addition to firecrackers, dragon dancers, and martial arts displays, you may also see bare-chested "spirit mediums" demonstrate the Mazu's protective powers by beating themselves with spiked clubs until they bleed.    For her birthday, thousands of Mazu's followers join a parade that links together 60 or so Mazu temples in Central and South Taiwan. Each year, more than a million people turn out to watch the festivities. The temple is divided into three halls: The front is dedicated to Mazu; the middle to Shue Sien Chuen Wang; and the back to Guan Ti, the Lord of Heaven.    As of December 2004, the temple was undergoing extensive renovations, but it will remain open as normal     Address:   No. 53, Sinmin Road, Singang Telphone:   (05) 374-2034 Business Hour :   Dawn until about 9 PM.       Bus Transit： Parking near the temple can be difficult, so using public transportation is advisable. Fortunately, buses from both of Chiayi City's bus stations are frequent. The temple is at the intersection of Sinmin Road and Jhongshan Road.       Car Transit: Singang can be reached by Road 159 (from Chiayi City), Road 157 (from Taibao to the south, and from Sikou to the north), and Road 164 (from Minsyong).