The temple is dedicated to the 'Pioneer Lords' who died while carving the original path through the cliffs of the Suhua Highway.
It was established to placate the spirits of laborers and ensure the safety of subsequent travelers on the dangerous coastal road.
The deity enshrined is locally revered as a protector for drivers and engineers navigating the Su-ao section of the highway.
Many offerings at the temple are placed by long-haul truck drivers who frequent the Suhua route.
The location serves as a historical repository for the memory of the immense loss of life during the Japanese colonial-era road construction projects.
Kailuxianfengye Temple, also known as Qing’antang, is a specialized shrine dedicated to the workers who perished during the construction of the Suhua Highway. The temple honors the pioneers of the Su-Hua road project, reflecting the labor-intensive history of regional infrastructure development. It serves as a spiritual site for locals to pay respects to the builders who lost their lives to hazardous working conditions and natural disasters in the rugged coastal terrain. The temple maintains a direct connection to the mountainous geography it commemorates. It is a significant site for understanding the human cost of Yilan's connectivity.
The exterior courtyard providing a view of the surrounding mountain slopes.
Respect the ongoing memorial ceremonies if they coincide with your visit.
Maintain a quiet demeanor as it is a place of mourning and remembrance.
Combine this visit with nearby views of the Su-ao harbor for geographical context.
Do not treat the temple as a sightseeing playground; it is a serious commemorative site.
Dress modestly, refrain from speaking loudly, and do not photograph offerings or people praying.
