Tianjin Tianhou Palace

Tianjin Tianhou Palace

Tianjin Tianhou Palace is a national AAA-level tourist attraction and a cultural tourism site.

Introduction

Commonly referred to as "Niángniang Palace," Tianhou Palace is situated outside the Dongmen of the old city area of Tianjin, on the west bank of the Sancha River estuary, now within the Ancient Culture Street. It was first constructed in the first year of the Taiding era of the Yuan Dynasty (1326 AD) and rebuilt in the first year of the Yongle era of the Ming Dynasty (1403 AD), making it the oldest building in the urban area of Tianjin. The palace faces east and sits west, overlooking the Haihe River, and covers a construction area of 2,500 square meters. It enshrines the Goddess Tianhou. In ancient times, Tianhou was worshipped as the goddess who protected seafarers. Legend has it that she was from Putian in Fujian, possessed exceptional swimming skills, and often sailed out to sea to rescue those in distress, hence later revered as a goddess. The 23rd day of the third lunar month is her birthday, and every year during this time, the "Imperial Festival" (Huìhuì) is held, featuring performances such as stilts, dragon lanterns, dry-land boats, and lion dances. A wide array of performances gather, creating an extremely lively atmosphere. The current Ancient Culture Street includes Tianhou Palace and the surrounding Nanche and Beiche streets, stretching 580 meters in length and 7 meters in width. Most of the architecture here imitates the folk-style buildings of the Qing Dynasty. The street houses nearly a hundred shops, mainly dealing in cultural goods, antique books, folk...

There is an old saying in Tianjin: "Tianhou Palace came before Tianjin Wei." This shows the significant status Tianhou Palace holds in the hearts of Tianjin people. It is one of China’s three major Tianhou Palaces and also the oldest existing building in Tianjin.

Tianhou Palace is actually a temple where the public worships the Goddess Tianhou, commonly known as “Niángniang Palace.” In the past, the main deity worshipped at Tianhou Palace was, of course, the Goddess Tianhou. Due to historical reasons, over the long years, the palace developed a complex situation where Buddhist and Taoist elements were mixed, and numerous deities were enshrined together. However, traditional customs have been preserved, such as the grand “Imperial Festival” held annually on the 23rd day of the third lunar month. Performances include dragon lantern dances, lion dances, Shaolin displays, stilt walking, ceremonial drumming, dry-land boat performances, yangge dancing, martial arts, as well as Peking opera, Pingju opera, and Bangzi opera.

In May 2013, Tianjin Tianhou Palace was designated and announced by the State Council of the People's Republic of China as part of the seventh batch of Major National Historical and Cultural Sites.

Recommended visiting time: 1–2 hours

Transportation: Take bus lines 1, 1-interval, 605, 610, 611, 619, 632, 633, 641, 671 (air-conditioned), 804, 904, 908, 954, or Sightseeing Route 2, and get off at Dongbeijiao Station.

Ticket: RMB 10 per person

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00–16:00

Location: No. 80, Ancient Culture Street, Nankai District, Tianjin

Lin Mo, also called Mòniáng, was affectionately called “Gūmā” (Auntie), “Niángmā” (Mother), or “Māzǔ” (Goddess) by the people. She was from Putian.

Born on the 23rd day of the third lunar month in the first year of the Jianlong era of the Song Dynasty (960 AD) into an official family on Meizhou Isle, Putian County. She never cried even once until she was one month old, hence given the name “Mo” (Silent), also called “Mòniáng.” Her great-grandfather Bǎojí served in the Zhou Dynasty as a military commander but resigned and lived in seclusion on Meizhou. Her grandfather Fú inherited the family merit and served as the Fujian Governor. Her father Yuán held the position of Fujian Patrol Inspector in the early Song Dynasty. Mòniáng was exceptionally intelligent; at age 8, while studying with a tutor, she could already grasp the gist of the texts. As she grew older, she enjoyed chanting scriptures and worshipping Buddha. She...  More details about Lin Mo++

Further reading:

· Seventh Batch of Major National Historical and Cultural Sites