Shunchang Tianhou Palace

Shunchang Tianhou Palace

The Tianhou Palace, located beside the highway in Yangkou Town, Shunchang County, is a Mazu temple originally built in the late Qing Dynasty.

Its original scale is said to have been very large, but due to the destruction during the Cultural Revolution, as well as the construction of the railway and the expansion of the highway,

the temple was moved significantly further inland. The current Tianhou Palace has three levels: the first level is the original building, where Mazu is worshipped; the second level is a Taoist temple, housing statues of the Four Supreme Taoist Deities including Laozi; and on the third level, the wall prominently features the Chinese character for “Buddha,” while the simple hall enshrines Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy.

It is quite a remarkable sight — though not entirely unique — to see three different faiths coexisting harmoniously within one temple. This seems to reflect the broad-mindedness and pragmatic attitude of the local people: in one single temple, whether you follow Buddhism, Taoism, or Mazu beliefs, you can find what you seek.

Lin Mo, also known as Mo Niang, was affectionately called “Auntie,” “Mother Goddess,” or “Mazu” by the people. She was from Putian.

Born on the 23rd day of the third month in the first year of the Jianlong era of the Song Dynasty (960 AD) into an official family on Meizhou Island in Putian County, she never cried from birth until she was one month old, hence her name “Mo” (meaning silent), and she was also called “Mo Niang.” Her great-grandfather Baoji served in the Zhou Dynasty military as a troop commander, but later resigned from office and lived in seclusion on Meizhou. Her grandfather Fu inherited his family’s meritorious service and served as the Fujian Provincial Commander. Her father Yuan held the position of Fujian Patrol Inspector in the early Song Dynasty. Mo Niang was exceptionally intelligent; at age 8, she could already grasp the main ideas of the books she read with her tutor. As she grew older, she enjoyed chanting scriptures and worshipping Buddha. She... More details about Lin Mo++

Yangkou Town: Yangkou Town is situated in the middle reaches of the Futun River. Originally named Shangyang, it is located at 117°54′ east longitude and 26°47′ north latitude, approximately 15 kilometers from Shunchang County. It borders Xiayang Town in Yanping District and Gaoqiao Township in Sha County to the southeast, is adjacent to Shuinan Town to the west, connects to Zhengfang Township to the southwest, neighbors Pushang Town to the north, and lies close to Jiexi Town to the northeast. Written records of its establishment date back to the Ming Dynasty, when it was under the administration of Gaoyang Li in Ouning Wenrou Township. In the late Qing Dynasty, a government office was set up here, directly under the jurisdiction of Yanping Prefecture. In the early years of the Republic of China, it was restructured as a county assistant office of Jian’ou County, and in the 18th year of the Republic (1929), it became the Eighth District of Jian’ou County. In January 1959, Yangkou People’s Commune was established, ... More details about Yangkou Town++