Grandmother Temple

📍 Location: 260 meters southwest of the intersection of Guangming Street and Health Road
🕰️ Historical Background:
The Grandmother Temple, originally known as "Ci Hui An," was built during the Ming Dynasty's Wanli period (1573-1620) and was constructed for the folk worship of the "Daughter of the God of Fertility" - Madam Chen (commonly referred to as "Grandma"). It was renovated during the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty and fell into disuse during the Republic of China period. Rebuilt with funds raised by local believers in the 1980s, it has been preserved to the present day. The temple embodies several centuries of folk beliefs and fertility culture, serving as an important carrier of the local intangible cultural heritage.

🏛️ Architectural Features:
The temple faces south and is situated on an area of approximately 320 square meters, adopting a traditional three-compartment layout with the existing main hall, side halls, and the remains of the bell and drum towers. The main structure is of brick and wood construction with a steep-pitched roof covered in green tiles. The colored paintings on the beams and lintels are well-preserved, with the four-character stone carving "Ci You Cang Sheng" (Blessing the People) above the main hall's lintel being particularly valuable. Inside the hall, there is a clay statue of Grandma, flanked by attendants and spiritual birds, with an ancient incense burner in front of the altar, reminiscent of the Ming Dynasty.

📜 Cultural and Historical Value:

• Two stone inscriptions, one recording the renovation during the Qianlong era and the other detailing the relief efforts during the Republic of China period;
• An ancient Chinese scholar tree in the courtyard, over 300 years old, listed as a municipal ancient tree;
• During the 15th day of the third lunar month, the "Grandma's Birthday" is celebrated with a prayer temple fair, featuring dragon dances, recitations, and divination, which is listed as a provincial intangible cultural heritage.

🎐 Tourist Information:

• 🕒 Opening Hours: Daily 6:00–18:00 (open on holidays as well)
• 🎫 Entrance Fee: Free admission
• 🚶‍♂️ Transportation: Take bus routes 12 and 25 to "Guangming Street Station" and walk for 3 minutes to reach
• ⚠️ Tourist Tips: Please maintain silence, do not take photos inside the hall; incense must be burned in designated incense burners.

✨ Cultural Explanation: The belief in Grandma is a fusion of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, reflecting the profound wish of the people for the continuation of life. It is an important physical witness to the grassroots social belief system since the Ming and Qing dynasties.