◆ Three Treasures of Dajia
(Source: Website of Dajia Township, website of the Jenlun Temple in Dajia, the website of Dajia Association of Tourism Promotion)
At a walking distance of about 200 to 300 meters from the train station, it is located at No. 58, Shuntien Road, Dajia Town. This temple was built in the eighth year in the reign of Yungcheng in the Ching Dynasty, and has a history of over 280 years. The temple was built elegantly, with dignified statues. Once there, this creates a sense of respect and solemnity. The Mazu Temple of Dajia was the faith of the 53 villages in Dajia. In the past, it was called “Tienhou Temple,” which is the currently famous “Jenlun Temple.” The people of Daja Town call it “Mazu Temple,” for the worship of the “Heavenly Mother” or “Mazu.”

The Jenlun Temple means “guarding the seas for the people and ships to travel on the sea safely.” Therefore, the faith of Mazu followers in Dajia is closely related to the trade in Ta An Port. In addition, the Pingpu Tribe around Dajia and Hsinchu landed on the port of Dajia, which was the original place for them to move to Taiwan. Their ancestors also had a faith in “Mazu.” Therefore, the development of Dajia is closely related to its port and sea transportation. In addition, the Mazu of Jenlun Temple was the faith of the ancestors who first developed the land there. It was the tutelary god in which the majority of followers worship.

◆ Architectural Features of Jenlan Temple
The architecture of Jenlan Temple of Dajia is bright and magnificent, and has been carved with refined patterns on the clock tower, doorposts, temples or beams, displaying the solemnity and magnificence of traditional Chinese-style architecture. It is very attractive indeed. Although it was renovated into a new building in 1980, the administrators in the temple attentively preserved them and adopted appropriate measures, so that the Jenlun Temple has preserved a lot of artistic refinery and cultural artifacts.

◆ Dajia Mazu Culture Festival
In the past, the Mazu parade of Dajia was primarily intended for the Chaotien Temple of Pei Kang. That was the so-called “return to the maiden home.” Groups of worshippers joined this ceremony by walking for eight days and seven nights. After the Mazu parade of Meichou Temple from Jenlan Temple in 1987, Dajia Mazu was moved to the Fengtien Temple in Singang. It was called “crossing the boundary for worshipping.” Although their hundred-year traditions have changed, the procession of the followers was very enthusiastic. Currently, Taichung County Government expands this activity and organizes the “Dajia Mazu Culture Festival” in which more activities are added. It thus becomes one of the three largest international religious activities.

◆ Dajia Straw Mat
Dajia Town produces straw mat that is famous wide and far and is reputed internationally. Its good quality and weaving technology is top in the world. It is exported to Europe, the US, and Southeast Asia, and has created substantial revenue to Taiwan.

The origin of Dajia Straw Mat could be tracked back to 1727. The foreign people in the Fengshan Community that time were naturalized into acculturated aborigine (shu-fan.) An acculturated aboriginal woman of Jennan Community found wild Tachia grass on the downstream of Ta An River. After Tachia grass was dried, it became pliable and strong and was not easily broken. Therefore, it was suitable for weaving a variety of practical tools. This craft soon became popular in the coastal acculturated aboriginal settlements. In 1765, the acculturated aboriginal woman tore Tachia grases into tiny stripes to weave grass mat. As the grass mat was cool, comfortable, pliable and strong, and durable, and could be folded, it was portable. Then the Han people improved this design and decorative designs and patterns. This thus became the Dajia Straw Mat.