According to temple officials, Zi Yun Yan was built in 1662 during Kangxi Emperor's reign in the Qing dynasty.

From tradition, a traveling roofer passed by the current site, where he hung his Guanyin statue on a tree.

Each year, the temple assigns one of the thirty-two villages in Qingshui as host, and the residents are tasked with preparing the offerings.

According to legend, a Gaomei resident found a glowing piece of wood, which he donated to Zi Yun Yan.

[7][8] Historically, Zi Yun Yan was a major stop on the annual Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage.

[11] Worshippers may purchase a small candle (known as guangmingdeng), in which the temple will put on display for the entire year.