Qing'an Temple, also known as Mazu Temple, is located on the left side of Zhong'er Road in Keelung City and is one of the oldest temples in Keelung. In the early days, Keelung was not a market town and was a port for Chinese merchant ships to enter and exit. Since Keelung was not suitable for farming, most residents relied on fishing. To pray for peace, a temple was built in Niuchou Port in the 45th year of the Qianlong Emperor's reign (1766) to worship the Heavenly Mother. Later, due to land reclamation in Keelung, it was moved to its current location.
Although located in a crowded city street, the ancient temple still retains its rustic charm. Its dragon pillars are exquisitely carved, and the stone lions in front of the temple are simple and robust. The temple walls are made of ceramic, while the inner walls are made of Italian stone, which is very elegant. In the main hall, a seated statue of Mazu is enshrined in a niche. Outside the niche, Qianliyan and Shunfeng'er stand on the left and right, brave and majestic. In front of the niche, there are statues of Mazu and other deities. A plaque hangs in front of the hall with the four characters "Ze Bei Cang Sheng" (meaning "Blessing all living beings").
On the first and fifteenth days of each lunar month, the birthdays of deities and Buddhas, and during the Lunar New Year, devout men and women from all over flock to worship. Qing'an Temple also holds "Replenishing Fortune" and "Praying for Blessings and Disaster Relief" ceremonies on the first and fifteenth of each lunar month to serve the public. The Ghost Festival in July and the birthday of Mazu in March are the two major annual events. During the Ghost Festival, Qing'an Temple plays a crucial role. After the opening of the shrine at Laodagong Temple on the first day of the seventh lunar month to begin the Universal Salvation activities, on the 12th of the seventh lunar month, Qing'an Temple distributes "July Lanterns" to clansmen of various surnames, placing them at doorways or street corners to guide the spirits at night. The next highlight, "Welcoming the Lanterns," is also held here. This ceremony begins with a procession led by believers, followed by groups from various surnames welcoming the lanterns in a procession for peace. After the procession, the lanterns are enshrined at Qing'an Temple. The following day, a "raising of lantern poles" ceremony was held in front of Qing'an Palace to summon wandering ghosts and spirits to come and enjoy the various offerings made by people from all walks of life.
Keelung Qing'an Temple is the only Mazu temple in Taiwan that enshrines the Mazu of Meizhou, the Mazu of Quanzhou, and the Mazu of Zhangzhou. It has a simple and solemn architectural style and is located in the middle of a bustling city, quietly presenting a peaceful and serene atmosphere. Qing'an Temple is also the birthplace of many celebrations and customs. Its long history is comparable to that of Heping Island Tianhou Temple and Chenghuang Temple, making it one of the three famous temples in Keelung.