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The Matsu Tianhou Palace enshrines the local residents' religious beliefs. The Matsu Tianhou Palace is the temple with the most vibrant incense offerings and grand appearance in the Matsu region, also known as the Maha Tianhou Palace. Over 4,000 tiao-shaped wooden blocks are used on the pillar capitals. According to documentary records, the temple was already constructed during the Jiaqing era of the Qing Dynasty and has been restored roughly every 20 years. The current temple was rebuilt in 2002. The palace-style structure is majestic, exuding an impressive and solemn aura. It is the collaborative effort of craftsmen from mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. Decorative elements like the dragon pillars with stone carvings and elaborately decorated floating door gods demonstrate grand embellishment and sophistication. In front of the altar within the Tianhou Palace, there is said to be a stone coffin where Mazu's sacred remains were placed. Every year, during Mazu's birthday, grand celebratory and processions events take place. On the night of the celebration, the area is illuminated by lights, with the sound of firecrackers ringing continuously. The temple fair atmosphere is vibrant, marking a significant annual event. In March 2009, Li Xiao Shi, a painter and climber from Matsu, climbed Mount Everest with a golden statue of Mazu, making it the first deity to reach the summit of Mount Everest. This golden image is now enshrined in the Matsu Tianhou Palace for worshippers to admire and venerate. The Matsu Tianhou Palace is not only the guardian deity of the region but also the spiritual center of the island's residents. The temple is flourishing in incense offerings; when visiting Nangan, do not forget to visit this sacred place to pray for safety! During the Matsu Nangang Village legend, it is said that when Mazu's father encountered a shipwreck, Mazu leaped into the sea to rescue him but was unfortunately swallowed by the waves. Her body drifted ashore at Mai Kou within the village. After being found by locals and buried, the people were moved by her filial devotion and gave her an ornate stone coffin inlaid with phoenix motifs. During her lifetime, Mazu spread kindness; later, with the advantage of the land's spiritual power, she ascended to heaven on the ninth of the ninth lunar month. During the Ming Dynasty, Mazu was bestowed with the title "Heavenly Consort," while in the Qing Kangxi period, she was ennobled as "Heavenly Empress," also known as "The Empress of Heaven." Hence, temples enshrining Mazu were named Tianhou Palaces. The Matsu Sword Monument – One of the Must-Take Landmarks of Matsu Near the Matsu Tianhou Palace, there is a tall, upright sword-style monument known as "Matsu's Sword." Filled with masculine energy, the monument was once a significant spiritual fortress in the defense area and now stands as a notable touristic landmark. When visiting Matsu's Nangan Village, do not forget to take photos of this remarkable structure!