Temple of the Queen of Heaven

Introducing Temple of the Queen of Heaven (from China Culture)
Tianjin Temple of the Queen of Heaven, a famous Taoist temple in Tianjin City, was built to fete Goddess Tianhou (the queen of heaven). Tianjin Temple of the Queen of Heaven is situated at the middle section of the Ancient Culture Street, Nankai District. The original names of the Tianjin Temple of the Queen of Heaven include the Tianfei Palace, the Xiaozhigu Tianfei Palace, the Western Temple and the Niangniang Palace. As early as in 1954, the Tianjin municipal government listed Tianjin Temple of the Queen of Heaven as a key cultural relic’s site under its special protection. The government has renovated Tianjin Temple of the Queen of Heaven and opened it to the public as a folklore museum.

Temple of the Queen of Heaven Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Tian Hou Gong 天后宫
• Best Time to Visit: All year around
• Recommended Visiting Hours: 1-2 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Architecture, Taoism
• Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00 Tuesday to Sunday
• Entrance Fee: CNY 10
• Address: No. 80 Ancient Cultural Street, Nankai District, Tianjin

What to expect at Temple of the Queen of Heaven

Tianjin Temple of the Queen of Heaven in Tianjin was first constructed in 1326 during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). Subsequently, the temple was repaired many times. It faces the east with the Haihe River running in front of it. From the east to the west, the main buildings include the Opera Tower, the Flag Pole, the Temple Gate, the Memorial Archway, the Front Hall, the Main Hall, Canon-Storing Pavilion, the Qisheng Temple, the Bell-Drum Tower, the Side Hall and the Zhangxian Pavilion, etc. The principal building of Tianjin Temple of the Queen of Heaven is the Main Hall constructed on a high and large pedestal, which is of the typical wooden structure style of the mid and late Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The architectural complex is one of the three major Tianhou palaces in China, and also one of the oldest extant Tianjin Temple of the Queen of Heaven.

The main function of the Tianjin Temple of the Queen of Heaven is to pray for navigation safety. It was a center of marine sacrifice in the past dynasties, and also a venue for sailors to have happy get-togethers. Besides ceremonial rituals held to worship the Goddess of the Sea, various performances with Chinese characteristics are often held here to thank the goddess. It is said that the lunar March 23 is the birthday of Matsu, the Goddess of the Sea, and folk flower fair is held in Tianjin Temple of the Queen of Heaven annually to memorize her on the day.

How to get to Temple of the Queen of Heaven
• Take bus 1, 605, 609, 610, 619, 632, 633, 641, 646, 670, 671, 804, 849, 904, 908, 954 or Sightseeing 2 and get off at Dongbeijiao Station.
• Rent a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle free private transfer from hotels in Tianjin to Temple of the Queen of Heaven.

Additional travel advice on Temple of the Queen of Heaven
• The temple is closed on Mondays.
• The 23rd day of the third month of the Chinese lunar calendar is Matsu's birthday and a folk cultural fair with various performances is held in the scenic area annually.