The founding of Taitung Tianhou Temple can be traced back to the 15th year of the reign of Emperor Guangxu (1889). Chang Chao-lien, then Taiwan Provincial Military Commander for the Qing Dynasty, proposed the construction of the temple to show his gratitude to the goddess Mazu who provided spring water to relieve the army during the Dazhuang Incident. He then donated his monthly salary to initiate the construction. Emperor Guangxu later bestowed a plaque with the inscription "divine blessings are assured to the devout" (靈昭誠佑) to Tianhou Temple, which still hangs there today. Tianhou was the only official Mazu temple in eastern Taiwan during the Qing Dynasty.

Taitung Tianhou Temple has always been very popular. During Qing Dynasty and Japanese colonial rule, it was a belief center that brought together early immigrants and Han settlers. Today, various folk celebrations, such as Mazu's birthday and a procession of deities during the Lantern Festival Pilgrimage are held here anually. only While once every 12 years Another important is the seven morning Peace and Purification Ceremony (Qi’an Qingjiao), a large prayer ceremony and offering that draws locals and pilgrims from far and wide to participate.