Tainan Travel

Luermen Matsu Temple was rebuilt in 1977 along the lines developed by Chen Tsung-kan. The design followed the concentric arrangement of halls used by traditional Confucian temples. The main hall is encircled by the front hall, rear hall and wing buildings. Two covered galleries then connect the front hall to the main hall. The foundation of the main hall was raised to a height of nine steps while the rear hall was two steps lower. The raised foundations emphasized the importance of the two buildings. At the front of the temple courtyard stands a memorial gateway with three archways. To the left is the reception pavilion and to the right is a nine-dragon altar. All three buildings in the traditional style are temporary replicas.

Luermen Matsu Temple hosts the Taijiang Welcoming of the Deity Ritual (台江迎神祭). When the auguries from Matsu are good, a parade is held with the Matsu statue from the temple to bring peace to the local area and connect with allied temples. Parades had previously been held in 1961, 1962, 1984, 1996, 2005, 2012 and 2021 (under the title “Taijing Welcoming of the Deity Ritual” since 2005). The parades are grand affairs that often make the headlines. When the procession returns to Luermen Matsu Temple on the third day, it becomes a major folk event with all the sacred palanquins and parade leaders in one place. There is no better time to see all the different temple parades of Tainan.