Dongmen Tin Hau Temple

Dongmen Tin Hau Temple

Dongmen Tin Hau Temple is a cultural relic protection unit of Zhejiang Province.

The exact founding date of Dongmen Tin Hau Temple is unknown. The existing structure was rebuilt in the 24th year of the Jiaqing reign during the Qing Dynasty. It was renovated again in 1988. The temple faces south and is built along a north-south axis, featuring a gate tower connected to a stage and side wings, all forming a rectangular courtyard together with the main hall. The main hall has a hip-and-gable roof, a total width of 16.8 meters across five bays, and a depth of 8.77 meters, with the central bay featuring a seven-rafter front-to-back corridor, an exposed front corridor, and a four-rafter curved pavilion-style corridor. The floor is paved with stone slabs, and the gate tower, side wings, and main hall feature a hybrid timber-frame construction of flush gable and hard mountain styles. The gate tower has five bays, a five-rafter beam structure, and the front steps of the central and side bays serve as an entrance porch, also with a four-rafter curved pavilion roof. The central and side bays have large gates, with stone steps in front serving as the passageway into and out of the temple. Each side wing has three bays and a four-rafter beam structure. The stage, named “Jingu Guan” (Observing Past and Present), is built connected to the flush-gable bay of the opposite building, featuring a hip-and-gable roof and a square stage. The caisson ceiling is constructed with stacked bracket sets that curve inward toward the top. The main hall, gate tower, and stage all feature carvings of animals, flowers, figures, and more, showcasing exquisite carving craftsmanship. Dongmen Tin Hau Temple is built in a simple, traditional style with outstanding decorative details, making it the best-preserved Tin Hau Temple in the county. Temples of this scale are also rare within the Ningbo area.

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of Cultural Relic Protection Units of Zhejiang Province