MAZU TEMPLE

It is located near the village of Mazu, on the western side of Nangan Island. This temple is the oldest in the archipelago, and is said to house the relics of the goddess Mazu. Although the name suggests that the goddess originated on these islands, Mazu is thought to have come from Putian, a little further south than the eponymous archipelago. But the special bond that the Taiwanese maintain with this marine deity perhaps explains its etymology. The beach directly opposite is a reminder of the archipelago's military past, with its military installations, including tanks.