Xigu Chaoyin Temple

Xigu Chaoyin Temple

Xigu Chaoyin Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Chaoyin Temple is situated at the eastern end of Xigu Street, west of the Dagu Fort. It was built in the second year of the Yongle era during the Ming Dynasty. Legend has it that a local boatman surnamed Liu from Dagu encountered danger at sea but was saved by Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy, thus narrowly escaping disaster. In gratitude, local boat owners pooled funds to build a small earthen temple. The temple faces east and overlooks the Bohai Sea. Originally named South Sea Grand Temple and also known as Shuangshan Temple, it enshrines the South Sea Guanyin.

Chaoyin Temple consists of three main halls. The front hall is the main hall, dedicated to Guanyin; the south hall is for minor deities; the north hall is for the Dragon King. Covering an area of 6,000 square meters, it became one of the largest and most popular temples in the Dagu area. After multiple renovations during the Qing Dynasty’s Kangxi, Yongzheng, Jiaqing, and Daoguang eras, as well as in the early years of the Republic of China—especially with personal visits and worship by Emperors Kangxi and Qianlong—Chaoyin Temple gained fame both domestically and abroad.

In 1992, a major renovation was carried out, and the temple reopened on January 15, 1993. The renovated Chaoyin Temple covers an area of over 5,000 square meters. In front of the temple, two tall flagpoles stand on the open ground, resembling ship masts. The temple complex includes three main halls, four side halls, a Liuxian Pavilion, and gardens in the north and south courtyards, all designed in a classic and elegant style. The front hall houses a statue of the “Maitreya Bodhisattva,” with murals of the “Four Heavenly Kings” representing wind, rain, prosperity, and peace on the side walls. The central main hall enshrines the “Guanyin Bodhisattva” along with other bodhisattvas such as “Manjushri” and “Samantabhadra.” The rear hall, the “Mahavira Hall,” houses statues of “Sakyamuni Buddha” and “Medicine Buddha.” In the courtyard of the south side hall, a stele commemorating the restoration of Chaoyin Temple and plaques donated by contributors are erected.

Today, Chaoyin Temple has become an important site in Tianjin for Buddhist rituals, folk activities, and tourism. On Buddhist holidays, tens of thousands of worshippers gather to burn incense and pray. Tourists can also experience the rich local customs and gain a deeper understanding of Tianjin’s coastal culture.

- Travel Tips:

Admission: 3 RMB

Transportation: Take bus 110 from Tanggu Railway Station; take buses 617 or 629 and get off at the Chaoyin Temple Intersection; take bus 108 to the Shuiliu Line Ferry, cross the river, and walk 500 meters west.

Address: No. Zeng 1, Chaoyin Temple Street, Xigu, Tanggu New Area, Binhai New District, Tianjin (near Guan Di Miao Street)

Type: Temple

Recommended Visit Duration: 2 hours

Phone: 022-25311882

Opening Hours:

8:00-17:00

Address: No. Zeng 1, Chaoyin Temple Street, Xigu, Tanggu, Binhai New District