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Tianhou Temple, also known as Tianfei Palace, is located on Tianhou Road in downtown Quanzhou. It is China's oldest, tallest, and largest existing Mazu temple. Quanzhou Tianhou Temple is renowned not only for its long history and grand scale, but also for its special place in the establishment and spread of Mazu cults.
Mazu's real name was Lin Mo Niang. She was a commoner girl from Meizhou Island during the Northern Song Dynasty. It is said that when she was born, the ground was filled with fragrance and auspicious light. She spent her life doing good deeds and helping others, guiding the villagers to avoid danger and seek good fortune. Later, she died while rescuing her father whose ship was hit by a storm. The people appreciated her virtues, respected her as the goddess of the sea, built a temple to worship her, and local fishermen would go to the Tianhou Temple to worship before going out to sea.
Immediately flanking the mountain gate are the east and west buildings, known as the " Qin Palace and Han Que " to symbolize the Tianhou Temple's dignity. Facing the main thoroughfare, the two towering buildings house bells and drums on the upper floors, while statues of the gods Clairvoyant and Wind-Earing Ear on the lower floors create a majestic and imposing presence.
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Quanzhou Tianhou Temple is dedicated to Mazu, the Sea Goddess, revered by fishermen and sailors. The temple's history dates back to the Song Dynasty and is considered a major cultural landmark in Quanzhou. It represents the rich maritime history of the region and is a place of worship for locals and visitors alike.
Quanzhou Tianhou Temple is located in the heart of Quanzhou city, Fujian Province. It can be reached by taxi, local buses, or on foot from the city center.
The temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The best times to visit are early mornings or late afternoons, when the temple is less crowded and the weather is more comfortable.
The entrance fee for Quanzhou Tianhou Temple is around 10 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the temple entrance. It is recommended to buy tickets offline as the temple does not currently offer online sales.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary for Quanzhou Tianhou Temple. It is usually less crowded during weekdays, so you can purchase tickets upon arrival.
Visiting the temple typically takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on how much time you spend exploring the temple grounds and reading about its history.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides are not typically available, but local guides can provide information on the history and significance of the temple.
Start by entering through the main gate and walking towards the central temple hall. Take time to admire the carvings and statues along the way. After exploring the temple, stroll through the gardens and courtyards before exiting through the rear gate.
Night visits and light shows are not available at the temple. However, the temple is beautifully lit at night, providing a peaceful atmosphere for evening photography.
The temple can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times are weekday mornings and late afternoons, especially outside of major Chinese festivals.
Basic facilities such as toilets, rest areas, and small shops selling religious items and souvenirs are available at the temple. There are no large restaurants or food vendors within the temple itself.
The temple is generally accessible for elderly and children, but some areas may have uneven steps or narrow walkways that may be difficult for those with mobility issues.
Cash is accepted at the entrance, but mobile payment options like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted in the area. Credit cards are not commonly accepted.
There are several local eateries and small restaurants nearby offering traditional Fujian cuisine, including seafood dishes and noodles.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at some nearby restaurants. Halal food may also be found in certain local eateries, particularly those catering to Muslim visitors.
There are various hotels and guesthouses within a short drive from the temple. Options range from budget accommodations to mid-range hotels in the city center.
There are souvenir shops near the temple selling religious items such as incense, Mazu figurines, and local handicrafts. You can also find traditional Chinese tea and local snacks.
Taxis and local buses are available to continue your trip. Alternatively, you can explore more of Quanzhou by walking to nearby attractions or taking a short taxi ride.
