Old / important Matzu temple in Shih-lin?

[Zla_od]

I’m looking for a Matzu temple in Shih-lin, that other temples send (or used to send) their god-statues to visit, and that holds (or held) an annual da baibai for Matzu’s birthday. Apparently this was famous all over Shih-Lin, Danshui, and Guanyinshan. Anybody know what temple it could be?

[Mucha_Man]

Sounds like Cixian, 士林慈諴宮. Because of its age it would be a “mother temple” to many others. The god statues aren’t brought for a visit, but to restore their ling, or efficacious power.

Concealed in the night market, the Cixian Temple (also known as the Shilin Matsu temple) was built in the first year of the Jiaqing Emperor’s reign, over 200 years ago. The temple layout is typically Fujianese, with the engravings on both sides of the front palace being completed by craftsmen of different schools, resulting in an intriguing mix of styles. The workmanship inside the main palace is exquisite, and is complemented by some beautifully preserved pottery. A visit here is well worth the trouble.