aeeble

The Tianhou Temple in Penghu is the oldest Mazu temple in Taiwan and Penghu, as evidenced by a stone monument from 1604, the 32nd year of the Wanli era of the Ming dynasty, which reads "Monument to expel the Red-Haired Barbarian Wei Mala Lang" by Shen You Rong. This monument is also the oldest stone monument in Taiwan and Penghu. Throughout its history, the temple has been referred to by various names, including Niangma Gong, Niangniang Gong, Tianfei Gong, and Mazu Gong. The old place name of Makong, "Magonia" , is derived from Mazu Gong. In 1683, the 22nd year of the Kangxi era of the Qing dynasty, Shi Lang, the admiral of Fujian, led a fleet to Penghu and defeated Liu Guo Xuan, the defender of Zheng Chenggong's forces. Shi Lang then petitioned the Qing emperor that the victory was due to the help of Mazu, and the emperor granted Shi Lang's request. The next year, the Qing court decreed that Mazu was to be referred to as Tianhou. Since the Qing dynasty, the Mazu temple has undergone several renovations. In 1922, during the Taisho era of Japan, the temple was rebuilt and took on its current appearance. The temple's structure consists of three sections: the Sanchuan Hall, the main hall, and the Qingfeng Ge. The sections are divided by courtyards, with dragon halls and corridors providing connectivity. The temple's layout gradually ascends according to the natural terrain. The square in front of the temple used to be the market area for the seven streets.