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Explore the Mazu Ancestral Temple to learn about the Mazu goddess, who is revered by many coastal communities in China. Participate in the temple's religious activities, admire the beautiful architecture, and take a walk around the surrounding area, which includes gardens and scenic views of the nearby coastline.
The Meizhou Mazu Ancestral Temple is located northeast of Gongxia Village, Meizhou Town, Xiuyu District, Putian City. The sleeping hall, main hall, and ancestral hall of the Holy Parents are the main buildings of the ancestral temple complex and the main carriers of Mazu worship in the temple. The sleeping hall, covering an area of 238 square meters, was built in the fourth year of the Yongxi reign of the Song Dynasty (987). It was rebuilt by Zhou Zuo, the commander of the Quanzhou Guard, in the seventh year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty (1374). It was rebuilt by Zheng He in the early Yongle reign and the sixth year of the Xuande reign (1431). It was rebuilt by Yao Qisheng in the 22nd year of the Kangxi reign (1683) and Shi Lang in the 23rd year of the Kangxi reign (1684). It was rebuilt again on the original site during the Republic of China period. It has a single-eaved hip roof, is three bays wide and two bays deep. The forehead preserves the ink inscriptions from the early Republic of China renovation, and some Ming and Qing stone pillars and column bases are still used. The main hall, built in 1403 by Zheng He under imperial order, was originally the Chaotian Pavilion. In 1683, Yao Qisheng, the Governor-General of Fujian and Zhejiang, expanded the ancestral temple with the blessing of Mazu. The pavilion was renovated and converted into the main hall. It features a double-eaved hip roof, three bays wide and three bays deep, and a raised-beam structure. The Shengfufu Temple, built in the Southern Song Dynasty, rebuilt in the Ming Dynasty, and renovated in the Qing Dynasty, has a gable roof, three bays wide and one bay deep, and retains the Song Dynasty skylight.
On September 30, 2009, the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage decided, after deliberation and voting, to include the "Mazu Belief and Customs" jointly submitted by the Putian Meizhou Island Management Committee and the Meizhou Mazu Ancestral Temple Board of Directors in the Representative List of the World Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The climate is subtropical and humid. The Meizhou Mazu Temple is considered the ancestor of all Mazu temples worldwide, with all other Mazu temples branching out from Meizhou. The temple is magnificent and large in scale. Mazu is believed to be efficacious and protects all directions. People travel thousands of miles to visit this sacred site to burn incense and worship, making it a suitable place to visit in all seasons.
Central Army Hall, Chaotian Pavilion, Prince Hall, Holy Parents Shrine, Guanyin Hall;
It is recommended to play for 3-4 hours
Free and open
08:30-17:30
The Mazu Ancestral Temple is a major religious site dedicated to Mazu, the Goddess of the Sea, who is believed to protect sailors and fishermen. It has been an important pilgrimage site for centuries, drawing worshippers from all over China and abroad, especially from Taiwan and Southeast Asia.
The temple is located in Putian, Fujian. You can take a taxi from the Putian city center or use public buses that travel directly to the temple. There are no metro stations nearby, so taxis and buses are the most convenient options.
The temple is open daily from 7 AM to 6 PM. The best times to visit are early mornings or weekdays to avoid the crowds. Special ceremonies are held on significant religious days and festivals, which can provide a unique cultural experience.
There is generally no entrance fee for visiting the Mazu Ancestral Temple, although small donations are welcomed. There are no online ticketing options; tickets or donations can be made on-site.
There is no need to book tickets in advance for general visits. However, if you're planning to visit during a special religious event, it is recommended to check with the temple management about any necessary reservations or arrangements.
It typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours to explore the temple and its grounds. If you wish to attend a ceremony or participate in meditation sessions, you may want to plan additional time.
The main hall with the Mazu statue, the incense offering area, and the serene courtyard are the key highlights. Don't miss the scenic views surrounding the temple and the intricate carvings and artwork within the temple complex.
Guided tours in Chinese are available at the temple. English-speaking guides may be available upon request but it’s best to arrange them in advance. Audio guides are not typically offered.
The best photography spots include the main hall with the Mazu statue, the temple’s peaceful courtyards, and the surrounding temple gardens with scenic views of the coastline and nearby hills.
Begin your visit at the main gate, then proceed to the main hall where the Mazu statue is housed. After exploring the hall, take a stroll through the temple's courtyards and garden, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere before exiting through the same gate.
Night visits are not available, and there are no light shows. However, special tours are occasionally offered during religious festivals, such as the Mazu pilgrimage days, which provide unique insights into the temple's cultural significance.
The temple can get busy on weekends, during public holidays, and religious festivals. To avoid the crowds, it's best to visit early in the morning on weekdays, especially during off-peak months.
Basic facilities such as clean restrooms, water stations, and rest areas are available. While there are no restaurants inside the temple, there are small food vendors and souvenir shops nearby.
The temple is accessible for most visitors, but some areas may have stairs or uneven terrain that could be challenging for elderly or disabled individuals. Children will enjoy exploring the grounds and participating in the temple’s cultural activities.
Cash is commonly used for donations and small purchases. Mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted, and cards are also typically accepted at the gift shops and for donations.
While there are no restaurants inside the temple, nearby Putian city offers a variety of restaurants serving local Fujian cuisine. You can find a range of dining options near the temple entrance and in the city center.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in local restaurants, especially those offering Buddhist-inspired meals. Halal food is available in select restaurants around Putian, but not necessarily close to the temple.
There are several hotels near the Mazu Ancestral Temple, ranging from budget accommodations to mid-range options. For a more luxurious stay, you can consider staying in the city center where more high-end hotels are available.
Nearby attractions include the Guanghua Temple, the Putian East Lake, and the Meizhou Island Mazu Temple. All these sites can be easily visited within a day, making it a great option for a day trip from Putian.
Yes, there are souvenir shops near the temple where you can buy Buddhist statues, incense, traditional crafts, and Mazu-themed souvenirs. Local handicrafts and snacks from Fujian are also popular souvenirs.
After visiting the Mazu Ancestral Temple, you can take a taxi or bus to other local attractions, such as Putian East Lake or the Meizhou Island Mazu Temple. For further travel, taxis and buses to the city center or nearby cities are readily available.
