Tianjin Tianhou Temple

Located within Ancient Culture Street, Tianjin Tianhou Temple, founded in 1326, is dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu and Lin Mo Niang. Predating even the city of Tianjin, the temple's main front hall, main hall, and north and south side halls are still largely remnants of the mid-to-late Ming Dynasty. Behind the mountain gate, the front hall enshrines Wang Lingguan and the Four Vajra Kings. The bell tower, drum tower, and memorial archway behind were renovated in 1985. The north and south side halls, respectively, enshrine local Tianjin deities such as Old Lady Bai, Water Carrier, and Horse King, as well as the Medicine King. The main hall is dedicated to Mazu, and its walls are decorated with Qing Dynasty murals. Two wells in front of the main hall are said to have sweet water. A pair of Qing Dynasty stone lions stand in front of the hall. The second courtyard houses the Taiwan Mazu Hall, Bixiao Yuanjun Hall, and Niangniang Hall, all renovated in 1985. The third courtyard houses the God of Wealth Hall and Guan Gong Hall. Also renovated in 1985 is the 60 Jiazi Hall. Admission is 10 yuan, a reasonable price, but photography is prohibited.

Tianjin Ancient Culture Street, with Tianhou Temple as its center, is a concentration of Tianjin's famous time-honored brands and handicraft shops. There are many Tianjin time-honored shops on the street, and you can enjoy Tianjin's special food while shopping.

Located in the middle section of Guwenhua Street in Nankai District, Tianhou Temple (formerly known as Tianfei Palace, Xiaozhigu Tianfei Palace, West Temple, and Niangniang Palace) faces east and sits west, overlooking the Haihe River. Originally built in 1326 during the Yuan Dynasty (1206-1368), it was rebuilt several times during subsequent dynasties.

Tianjin Tianhou Temple, commonly known as the "Niangniang Palace," was built in 1326 AD, the third year of the Taiding reign of the Yuan Dynasty. It is one of the three largest Tianhou Temples in the world, along with the Meizhou Ancestral Temple in Fujian, the Tianjin Tianhou Temple, and the Beigang Chaotian Temple in Taiwan. The Tianhou Temple is the centerpiece of the Ancient Cultural Street. In Tianjin, there's a long-standing saying: "The Tianhou Temple came first, and then Tianjin." The temple enshrines Lin Mo, the "Queen of Heaven." Its square boasts two large masts that have stood for over 600 years. To the east of the square, facing the Haihe River, stands a theater building, creating a relatively independent space. The complex, facing west and east, faces the Haihe River and comprises a mountain gate, memorial archway, front hall, and main hall, exemplifying traditional Chinese temple architecture.

The ticket to Tianhou Temple is not expensive, about 20 to 30 yuan, and students can get half price, which is super cheap and definitely worth the price. There are many stray cats in the backyard, which are super cute and a little scary. Also, if you want to visit the Tianhou Temple in its entirety, don't just rush through it. Please go in when you see a door and go into the alley until there is no road.

There are very few people.

It's quite big. A place for worship.

The Tianhou Temple was built in the Yuan Dynasty and is one of the earliest architectural complexes in Tianjin. In addition to the cultural relics displayed in the Tianhou Temple itself, it is also the location of the Tianjin Folk Museum, which exhibits some folk customs about Tianjin. Every year in the third month of the lunar calendar, there will be a temple fair on the birthday of Mazu, and various performances are very lively.

Tianhou Temple, a Mazu temple in Tianjin, is one of the oldest existing Mazu temples in China and a religious building. Tickets are required.

Located in the Ancient Culture Street, it was a pity that it was not open when I went there. I didn't expect that Tianjin, a northern city, also has a temple dedicated to the Queen of Heaven. It may be because it is a coastal city.

Inside the street stands the Tianhou Temple, a bustling temple of worship. It's the oldest architectural complex in Tianjin and one of the oldest existing Mazu temples in China. Tianhou, also known as Tianfei and Mazu, is a sea deity revered by sailors, seamen, travelers, merchants, and fishermen throughout history. Tianjin was the ancient terminus for grain transported by sea and the wharf for loading and unloading grain on inland rivers, so the people of Tianjin hold a devout devotion to Tianhou.

The Tianjin Folk Museum is a local Chinese folk museum located in the heart of Tianjin's Ancient Culture Street. Construction began in 1985 and the museum opened on New Year's Day, 1986. The museum occupies the ancient architectural complex centered around the main hall of the Tianhou Temple. This complex includes the mountain gate, memorial archway, bell tower, drum tower, front hall, main hall, Sutra Library, and the rear hall, the Qisheng Shrine. Four auxiliary halls flank the main hall. To the north of the mountain gate stands the Zhangxian Pavilion, suspended overhead, serving as a pedestrian overpass on the Ancient Culture Street. Approximately 20 meters outside the mountain gate stand two 26-meter-long flagpoles, each draped with banners. The left banner reads "Sanjin Arts and Hundreds of Shops Welcome Spring," and the right banner reads "Mingbo Luori Tongyun Jihang." Over 80 meters beyond the mountain gate, across the banner poles, lies the Tianhou Temple's ancient theater.

The ticket to Tianhou Temple is 10 yuan. There are not many people entering and they are all crowded at the entrance.

Commonly known as the "Niangniang Palace," it is located outside the East Gate of Tianjin's old city district, on the west bank of the Sancha River estuary, on what is now Ancient Culture Street. Originally built in 1326 during the first year of the Taiding reign of the Yuan Dynasty and rebuilt in 1403 during the first year of the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty, it is the oldest building in Tianjin. The Tianhou Palace, facing east and the Haihe River, boasts a floor area of 2,500 square meters. It enshrines the Tianhou Niangniang, known in ancient times as the goddess protecting the sea.

Located outside the East Gate of Tianjin's ancient city, the Tianhou Temple was a popular destination for the impoverished, seeking wealth, childless children, and the sick to be protected from illness and disaster. This temple served as a passive expression of the ancient people's inability to overcome the dangers of the oceans and rivers, seeking help from the gods. It also reflects the simple cultural mentality of the suffering people.

Like some modern open port cities, Tianjin and Qingdao have the same legend that the Tianhou Palace came first and then the XX City. You can come here or not, as it is located near the Food Street.

Tianhou Temple is a renowned Taoist temple in Tianjin, primarily dedicated to the Taoist goddess Tianhou. Located in the middle section of Guwenhua Street in Nankai District, it was formerly known as Tianfei Palace, Xiaozhigu Tianfei Palace, West Temple, and Niangniang Palace.

Some of the museums are unique to Tianjin's local folk customs and some are intangible cultural heritage.

Built in 1326, this temple is one of China's three largest Mazu temples. Due to the frequent shipwrecks at the time, the Yuan Dynasty emperor built the Tianhou Temple at the mouth of the Haihe River to pray for blessings and peace to the sea goddess Tianhou. The Tianhou/Mazu cult originated in Meizhou, Fujian during the Northern Song Dynasty, stemming from the veneration of Lin Mo, a young heroine who tragically died while rescuing a shipwrecked vessel. Both this temple and the Confucian Temple close early, so be sure to check opening hours if you're planning a visit.

We originally came to the Ancient Culture Street to see the Tianhou Temple, but there was a traffic jam and it was too crowded when we crossed, which delayed us a lot of time. My child was exhausted and started crying, so we could only pass by the door.

Compared to the whole street, the entrance of Tianhou Temple can be described as deserted. The contrast is very obvious. Although the entrance of the temple is quite impressive, the "sign" with a 10 yuan ticket written on a large red paper in the middle is quite low-class. It's a pity that we came too late in the afternoon. I will come again next time and reserve a seat first.

Inside Ancient Culture Street lies the Tianhou Temple. Built in 1326 (the third year of the Taiding reign of the Yuan Dynasty), the temple was originally named Tianfei Palace, commonly known as Niangniang Palace. Having undergone numerous renovations, it is the oldest architectural complex in Tianjin and one of the earliest existing Mazu temples in China. Facing the Haihe River, the complex comprises a mountain gate, memorial archway, front hall, and main hall, representing a typical traditional Chinese temple-style architecture. Every year on the birthday of the Queen of Heaven, a large folk temple fair is held at the temple, attracting boatmen from along the river, believers from surrounding areas, and merchants from all over the country, contributing to the prosperity of Tianjin's most famous commercial street, Gongnan and Gongbei Street (now Ancient Culture Street).

The tile paintings inside the Tianhou Temple are quite exquisite. There is a place dedicated to praying for marriage, and it seems that the incense is quite prosperous! The lanterns inside are really beautiful! The exhibits inside are quite unique.

Inside Ancient Culture Street lies the Tianhou Temple. Built in 1326 (the third year of the Taiding reign of the Yuan Dynasty), the temple was originally named Tianfei Palace, commonly known as Niangniang Palace. Having undergone numerous renovations, it is the oldest architectural complex in Tianjin and one of the earliest existing Mazu temples in China. Facing the Haihe River, the complex comprises a mountain gate, memorial archway, front hall, and main hall, representing a typical traditional Chinese temple-style architecture. Every year on the birthday of the Queen of Heaven, a large folk temple fair is held at the temple, attracting boatmen from along the river, believers from surrounding areas, and merchants from all over the country, contributing to the prosperity of Tianjin's most famous commercial street, Gongnan and Gongbei Street (now Ancient Culture Street).

Tianhou Temple is located in the center of the Ancient Culture Street and is one of the three largest Mazu temples in the world.

It is said that this place is particularly lively during the Chinese New Year, but unfortunately I went there a little late and didn’t go in.

The Tianhou Temple has now become the Tianjin Folk Museum, which introduces the history of Tianjin and displays various folk customs.

Since we are already in the Ancient Culture Street, let’s take a look at the Tianhou Temple.

Located on the Ancient Culture Street, the Tianhou Temple is mostly visited by tour groups, with few people buying their own tickets like us. The 10 yuan per person ticket is quite standard for a national ticket. The temple was quite popular, with many devotees burning incense, or simply tourists making the arduous journey to visit, filling the small temple with a smoky atmosphere. The large bell on the side was deserted. It costs 5 yuan to ring it three times. My husband and I each struck it three times, and the resounding sound was a prayer for our father, who works at sea. For those from northern China, the Tianhou Temple isn't very well known. The only Mazu Temple I've ever been to is the Mazu Temple in Yokohama Chinatown, which is said to be the Taiwanese Mazu Temple. This visit to the Tianhou Temple was truly an educational experience. If you have time while strolling through the Ancient Culture Street, you should definitely visit it.

Tianjin's Five Avenues and both sides of the Haihe River have witnessed the humiliation and rise of modern China. History has shaped a unique culture. Come here to truly experience Tianjin culture.

There is a Tianhou Temple in the Ancient Culture Street, which is said to be a temple of the sea god in the past. The ticket price is 20 yuan.

It's on the Ancient Culture Street, just passing by.

After bypassing the Tianhou Temple, we first visited the Folk Museum. The Folk Museum in Qingdao is also connected to the Tianhou Temple. The Folk Museum is free but not ticket-free. Visitors must present their ID cards to get tickets.

The exhibition hall is not big, and it briefly introduces the local folk customs and history of Tianjin. This is a water shop. I happened to meet an older brother who was visiting. He told us that when they were young, they used to buy water from the water shop. By the way, in Tianjin, men are respectfully called "big brother" and women are respectfully called "sister". Haha, the "big brother" I'm talking about is actually an uncle.

My eldest brother said that in the past, when there were weddings, neighbors would come to help, washing vegetables and meat, serving plates and bowls, and delivering pots and basins. He said that weddings in the past were called lao (fourth tone) zuo (light tone).

The exhibition hall is not big. There is a very old bus in the yard outside. I took a selfie with the help of the reflector. I am very satisfied with the result.

The main function of Tianhou Temple is to pray for safe navigation. It has been the center of sea sacrifices throughout the ages and a place for entertainment and gatherings for ancient boatmen and seamen. In addition to holding grand ceremonies to worship the sea goddess Tianhou, there are also various Chinese-style performances to thank the gods.

The ticket to Tianhou Temple is 10 yuan, which is not expensive, so just go in and take a look.

The Tianhou Temple is not big, but because it charges admission, there are very few tourists. In addition, it had just rained, so the whole place feels very quiet and fresh.

I didn't check the door that day, it felt very quiet and I don't know when it opened.

It is located in the ancient cultural street between the Jinmen Hometown Archway and the Gushang Art Garden Archway.

Built in 1326 (the third year of the Taiding reign of the Yuan Dynasty), Tianhou Temple, originally named Tianfei Palace and commonly known as Niangniang Palace, has undergone numerous renovations and is the oldest architectural complex in Tianjin and one of the oldest existing Mazu temples and religious structures in China. Facing the Haihe River, the complex, which sits west and east, consists of a mountain gate, memorial archway, front hall, and main hall, representing a typical traditional Chinese temple-style architecture. Every year on Tianhou's birthday, a large folk festival is held at the temple, attracting boatmen from along the river, believers from surrounding areas, and merchants from all over the country, contributing to the prosperity of Tianjin's most famous commercial street, Gongnan Gongbei Street (now Guwenhua Street).

Built in 1326 (the third year of the Taiding reign of the Yuan Dynasty), the Tianhou Temple, originally named Tianfei Palace and commonly known as Niangniang Palace, has undergone numerous renovations and is the oldest architectural complex in Tianjin and one of the oldest existing Mazu temples and religious buildings in China. Facing the Haihe River, the complex consists of a mountain gate, memorial archway, front hall, and main hall, representing a typical traditional Chinese temple-style architecture. Every year on the birthday of the Queen of Heaven, a large-scale folk temple fair is held at the Tianhou Temple, attracting boat owners along the river and believers from surrounding areas. Merchants from all over the country flock to the temple, contributing to the prosperity of Tianjin's most famous commercial street, Gongnan Gongbei Street (now Ancient Culture Street).

The Tianhou Temple is located on the west side of Tianjin, on the south bank of the Haihe River, within the Ancient Culture Street. Built in memory of Lin Mo Niang, the temple is often worshipped in coastal cities. In the south, she is known as Mazu. Although small, the temple boasts a vibrant following, with its Yuan Dynasty architectural style reflecting the hallmarks of traditional Chinese temples. The temple boasts numerous halls, and a wall tile depicts the prosperity of ancient Tianjin. The Guan Gong Hall attracts the most visitors and incense, even surpassing the main Tianhou Niang Hall.

It's worth a visit. The Queen of Heaven is Mazu, known in the south as Mazu and in the north as the Queen of Heaven. When I get to a place, I habitually visit the local temples and Taoist temples. I got a marriage fortune for a colleague, and ha, the whole yard was covered in red ribbons.

The building sounds quite famous, but in reality, it's not very impressive. At one end of the Ancient Culture Street, there's a small, unassuming plaza in front of it, with someone collecting tickets. The problem is, it's not a ticket office, and the staff checking tickets seem rather informal, like they're just randomly marking off a spot and charging a fee. I didn't have a good impression, so I didn't go in.

The Tianhou Temple is located in Tianjin's Ancient Culture Street. Honestly, it's not worth visiting. It's dedicated to Mazu, Lin Mo Niang. While in southern China, places dedicated to her are generally called Mazu Temples, while in northern China, they're more commonly called Tianhou Temples. There's also a Tianhou Temple near the Qingdao Pier, where people pray for safe sailing. I didn't go inside, but many tour groups only talk about it from the outside. It's probably not worth a visit. The entrance fee isn't expensive, around 20 yuan, but I personally don't think it's worth it. If you're interested, you should check it out.

Tianjin Tianhou Temple, commonly known as the "Niangniang Palace," was built in 1326 AD, the third year of the Taiding reign of the Yuan Dynasty. It is one of the three largest Tianhou Temples in the world, along with the Meizhou Ancestral Temple in Fujian, the Tianjin Tianhou Temple, and the Beigang Chaotian Temple in Taiwan. Located outside the East Gate of Tianjin's old city, on the west bank of the Sancha River estuary, on what is now the Ancient Culture Street, it is the oldest architectural complex in Tianjin. Facing the Haihe River, the Tianhou Temple occupies 5,352 square meters, with a building area of 1,734 square meters. Within the temple, the Tianhou Niangniang is enshrined. In ancient times, Tianhou was known as the goddess of the sea. Legend has it that she was a native of Putian, Fujian, and possessed exceptional swimming prowess. She frequently sailed out to sea to rescue people in distress, earning her veneration as a goddess. The 23rd day of the third lunar month is the Niangniang's birthday, and an annual "imperial gathering" is held around this time, featuring performances of stilt walking, dragon lanterns, land boats, and lion dances. A variety of performances are also held, creating a lively atmosphere. The existing Ancient Culture Street, encompassing the Tianhou Temple and Gongnan and Gongbei Streets, is 580 meters long and 7 meters wide. Most of the buildings here are imitations of small folk architecture from the Qing Dynasty. Nearly a hundred shops line the street, primarily selling cultural supplies, antique books, folk necessities, and traditional handicrafts. Specialty stores specialize in the famous Yangliuqing New Year paintings, Zhang clay figurines, Wei kites, and Liu brick carvings. The Tianhou Temple has now become the Tianjin Folk Museum, showcasing Tianjin's history and displaying various folk customs.

Almost everyone has the same experience... This photo is repeated too much.

It was closed on Monday, so I was turned away. I had to take a photo at the door and leave.

It's right on the pedestrian street, so it's okay. You can take a walk around when you have time.

Built during the Yuan Dynasty, it is a rare Mazu temple in northern China and one of the three largest Tianhou temples in the world.

The bathroom inside is the cleanest I've ever experienced in China. It's also air-conditioned.

I saw this by chance, Tianjin Folk Museum. You can get tickets with your ID card, and the tickets need to be returned when you leave. It is worth a visit.

It's just normal, all for burning incense, nothing else.

Go to the museum to learn about local customs and gain knowledge. Stroll through the Ancient Culture Street and take a look at this.

The empress in it is so beautiful, her eyebrows and eyes are portrayed vividly, and her clothes are quite gorgeous.

Located in the heart of Tianjin's Ancient Culture Street, Tianhou Temple, known locally as the Niangniang Temple, is one of the three largest Mazu temples in the world. As Tianjin's oldest extant structure, the temple remains remarkably well-preserved. It comprises a theater, flagpole, mountain gate, memorial archway, front hall, main hall, Sutra Library, Qisheng Shrine, and the bell and drum towers (located on the north and south sides) and auxiliary halls. The Sutra Library and bell and drum towers were rebuilt in the early Republic of China period, while the remaining structures date back to the Ming and Qing dynasties.

The main gate of Tianhou Temple was added during the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty. A brick-carved inscription reads "Edicted to Build Tianhou Temple" adorns the lintel. Flanking the gate are two brass qilins. Because of the folk saying, "Touching a qilin's head will free you from worries; touching its back will protect you from suffering; and touching its buttocks will keep you healthy," visitors often touch the qilins. Entering the gate is a wooden archway adorned with the inscription "Haimen Cifa" (Sea Gate Compassionate Boat) and, on its back, "Hundreds of Grains Paying Homage to the Ancestor." To the left and right of the archway are the bell and drum towers, rebuilt in the early years of the Republic of China. Beyond the archway lies the front hall, where Wang Lingguan is enshrined. To his left and right are Jiashan, Jia'e, Qianliyan, and Shunfenger, all of whom are members of Tianhou's entourage. The main hall, the main building of Tianhou Temple, houses the Tianhou. The northern side hall enshrines the Medicine King in the center, flanked by the Four Sea Dragon Kings. Through the main hall is the Sutra Library, now an exhibition hall at the Folk Customs Museum. The Phoenix Tail Hall houses statues of the Pure Bottle Guanyin, the Crossing the Sea Guanyin, the Dripping Water Guanyin, and the South Sea Guanyin. The Guandi Hall enshrines Guan Yu, the God of Wealth and War. A small door next to the God of Wealth Hall leads into the South Courtyard, which houses the Eighteen Squares of unique folk arts.

The Temple of the Queen of Heaven has always been a popular place. Now a folk museum has been opened here. In addition to some pilgrims, there are also a large number of tourists who come here to better understand the culture and history of Tianjin.

A temple charges admission and isn't a tourist attraction. How can it be so popular if no one goes in to worship? And all the temples in Taiwan are free to visit, so they're definitely very popular. I took a few photos of him at the entrance. Anyway, I didn't cross the line, haha.

It was a Wednesday when I went there. I was the only one in the whole museum. The 10 yuan ticket was really worth it. I took pictures of everything. It was a microcosm of old Tianjin over the past few decades. It was very nostalgic and interesting.

Every time I go to Tianjin, the Ancient Culture Street is a must-see. Sometimes I don’t buy anything, I just go for a stroll. I used to have to buy a ticket to enter the Tianhou Temple, so I never went in. But when I went to Tianjin in the fall of 2011, I didn’t expect it to be free. I went in without hesitation. Because it was not a holiday, there were not many people visiting.

[Tianhou Temple] The ticket price for Tianhou Temple is 10 yuan per person, and student tickets are available. People burn incense and worship Buddha inside. The place is not small, but not crowded. In fact, I think it is just an ordinary place. It is just a place of incense and there is nothing special about it. Maybe it is because of the origin of Tianhou Temple that this place has been so popular.

I don't know if I was lucky or if I happened to catch the Tianhou Temple parade, but unfortunately I didn't see it. When I arrived, the event had already ended. All that remained were the offerings in front of each store, which were still being cleared away.

The Tianhou Temple is very crowded and is also the center of the cultural street. It is said that the birthday of the Tianhou is very lively.

The square in front of the palace is not very large and cannot accommodate too many people. Generally, leaders of Mazu groups from Tianjin, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan come to participate in the worship.

The Tianhou Temple Mazu, also known as the Guanyin Bodhisattva, is built in a commercial area and has become a tourist attraction.

I still have tickets to the Tianhou Temple in my drawer! However, I went there at the wrong time, so I missed out on many activities there!

It was very lively when I went there, with many people. I also saw lamas taking photos there. There were many interesting things.

I only took a look at the door and didn't spend money to buy a ticket to go in and see what it was like? But the two dishes next to it attracted me.

The Tianhou Temple is dedicated to the Queen Mother of Heaven. It is located on Tianjin Ancient Culture Street. When I went there, it happened to be the Queen Mother of Heaven’s birthday. It was very lively.

Tianhou Temple is open now. This Mazu temple, known as one of the world's three largest, offers free admission. However, upon entering, I was quite disappointed. Compared to the exquisite stone carvings at Yantai's Tianhou Temple, Tianjin's Tianhou Temple is completely unremarkable, though it's a popular destination. The Tianhou Temple is also connected to a place called the Folk Customs Museum, where I saw the long-missed yellow noodles.

It's right next to the Ancient Culture Street, and there's no entrance fee. So when you get there, you really have to go see it. Even if you don't understand much, you still need to use your eyes. As long as it looks good, that's all, isn't it?