Caohu Yuzun Temple

Caohu Yuzun Temple, commonly known as the “Temple of the Jade Emperor” (Tiangong Temple), is located on Caohu Mountain in Dongshan Township, Yilan County, at an elevation of about 150 meters. Backed by lush green hills and facing the Lanyang Plain, the temple enjoys a broad and magnificent setting; on clear days, visitors can even see Guishan Island standing alone in the sea. With its expansive views and scenic surroundings, it is one of the most representative religious landmarks in the Lanyang region.

The temple’s principal deity is the Jade Emperor (Tiangong), and it also enshrines other important deities including Xuantian Shangdi, the Three Officials, the Queen Mother of the West (Yaochi Jinmu), and Wenchang Dijun. According to local records, the sacred statue of the Jade Emperor was consecrated in 1943. Shortly after the end of World War II, a temple structure was built in 1945, originally a simple shrine with a thatched roof. As the number of devotees grew and incense offerings flourished, the temple was rebuilt in reinforced concrete in 1970 and gradually expanded into the grand yet solemn complex seen today.

Today, Yuzun Temple adopts a South China architectural style, characterized by its soaring roof ridges and vivid colors, with exquisite craftsmanship visible throughout. From lifelike Cochin ware figures and dazzling glazed tiles to intricate wood carvings and layered “jian nian” mosaic decorations, the temple showcases a high level of traditional artistry, blending artistic value with sacred religious significance. Behind the temple lies a natural forest park, surrounded by greenery, allowing visitors to enjoy nature in addition to worship.

The temple hosts several important annual religious festivals, the most prominent being the Jade Emperor’s Birthday on the ninth day of the first lunar month, commonly known as “Tiangong Sheng.” On this occasion, a grand “Zhu Tiandan” (Heaven Worship) ceremony is held, drawing large numbers of devotees who come to fulfill vows and give thanks for blessings. Other significant events include the thanksgiving ritual to the deities on the sixteenth day of the twelfth lunar month and the temple’s foundation anniversary on the sixth day of the fourth lunar month, both of which are major local religious celebrations.