Tianhou Temple of Quanzhou

Introducing Tianhou Temple of Quanzhou
Tianhou Temple of Quanzhou is a temple dedicated to Mazu, the sea goddess. Tianhou Temple of Quanzhou is located at the heart of the city, overlooking the Jinjiang River and its adjacent port. Built in 1196 and covering approximately 6,800 square meters, it is designed around a central courtyard, the complex features key structures, including the Tianhou Hall, which served as an architectural blueprint for other Mazu temples globally.

Historically, the reverence for Mazu and her association with seafaring protection extended beyond the spiritual realm, as her temples frequently served as vibrant social and commercial hubs. These temples facilitated trade and stimulated economic growth in port cities like Quanzhou. The widespread belief in Mazu’s protection fostered maritime trade and cultural exchange, significantly contributing to Quanzhou’s prominence as a major international trading port.

Tianhou Temple of Quanzhou Fast Facts
• AKA: Thean Hou Temple
• Chinese Name: Tiān Hòu Gōng 天后宫
• Best Time to Visit: All year around
• Recommended Visiting Hours: 1 - 2 x hours
• Things to Do: Folk Legend, History and Culture
• Opening Hours: 7:00 – 19:00
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Address: 1 Tianhou Road, Linjiang Street, Licheng District, Quanzhou, Fujian Province

What to Expect at the Tianhou Temple of Quanzhou
Unlike the serene solemnity of northern Buddhist temples, Tianhou Temple offers a palpably warmer, more intimate experience. This vibrant energy is evident in every detail, from the dynamic porcelain ornamentation that enlivens its curving eaves and roof ridges to the intricate carvings embellishing its interior halls. Here, the centuries-old Mazu faith is not merely enshrined, but embodied, resonating deeply with all who visit.

The Opera Stage
Serving as the central venue for ritual performances during religious ceremonies, the old stage was a consecrated space where earthly actors channeled spiritual beings. Upon its wooden planks, actors embodied deities and historical figures from Mazu’s mythology, bringing her stories to life. The intricate dougong bracket system, a series of interlocking wooden brackets characteristic of traditional Chinese architecture, not only supports the elaborately painted and carved coffered ceiling (zaojing) but also, through its intricate artistry, symbolically elevates the performance, making it a spectacle fit for the goddess.

The Worship Square
The area in front of the Tianhou Hall, known as the Worship Square, serves as the venue for Mazu ceremonies. On Mazu’s birthday (the 23rd day of the third lunar month), devotees gather to perform rituals and seek her blessings. The ceremony, led by the chief officiant, centers around two main rituals: the “Three Bows Ritual” and the “Three Offerings Ritual.”

In the “Three Bows Ritual,” devotees offer incense to Mazu’s statue and bow three times. The first bow is a prayer for bountiful harvests, the second for prosperity and wealth, and the third for the well-being of their families. Following this, the “Three Offerings Ritual” commences. Devotees present flowers, symbolizing blessings for Mazu; fruits, expressing wishes for abundant harvests and prosperity; and silk or paper money (representing material wealth offered symbolically), beseeching Mazu’s protection for all beings. The ceremony concludes with three final bows, leaving participants with a sense of renewed connection to the goddess and hope for a blessed year ahead.

The Tianhou Hall
The main structure of the Tianhou Hall, dating back to the 19th century, serves as the primary place of worship for devotees of Mazu, where they pray for safe voyages. The roof of the hall is predominantly decorated with intricate grey plasterwork, featuring prominent dragon and phoenix motifs. Colorful paintings and carvings adorn the wooden beams, columns, and crossbeams, depicting auspicious Chinese symbols such as carp transforming into dragons, celestial steeds in full gallop, and cranes dancing amidst auspicious clouds. These artistic embellishments, rich in symbolic meaning, enhance the hall’s solemn and reverent atmosphere. Inside, the ornately decorated hall houses statues of Mazu and her attendant deities, their lifelike portrayals inspiring awe and veneration.

How to Get to Tianhou Temple of Quanzhou
• By Bus: Take bus K7 to Wenlinglu nanduan (Wenling Road South) Station.