Pinghai Tianhou Temple

Pinghai Tianhou Temple

Pinghai Tianhou Temple is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Pinghai Tianhou Temple is located in Dongzhi Natural Village, Pinghai Village, Pinghai Town.

Pinghai Tianhou Temple (a national cultural heritage site) was established in the second year of the Xianping era of the Song Dynasty (999 AD). It is the oldest and most completely preserved original Song Dynasty palace-style Mazu temple in the world, and also the first branch temple of Mazu worldwide.

Pinghai Tianhou Temple is an ancient building constructed entirely from wood and earth, supported by 108 large fir wood pillars, hence commonly known as the "Hundred Pillar Temple." Its "I-shaped" layout and "Overlord Fist" structural design further highlight its uniqueness and original architectural form. Authenticated by senior Chinese ancient architecture experts, it has been designated as a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit. The temple preserves intact materials from the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. In the 21st year of the Kangxi reign during the Qing Dynasty, Yao Qisheng, Commander-in-Chief of the Fujian Navy and Governor-General, led 30,000 naval troops and 223 warships to assemble at Pinghai Wei and Pinghai Ao for military training in preparation for a campaign against Taiwan. Due to drought and water shortage, the morale of the navy soldiers was low and spirits were downcast. Later, General Shi Lang sincerely prayed to Mazu for her divine intervention, and a dried-up well miraculously “gushed water to relieve the troops.” During the “Battle of Penghu,” Mazu was believed to have manifested her power by dispatching Generals “Thousand-Mile Eye” and “Favorable-Wind Ear” along with heavenly soldiers and generals to join the battle. At the critical moment, Mazu appeared again, causing the “tide to rise to assist in battle,” turning danger into safety and securing a triumphant victory, leaving behind beautiful and moving legends.

Before the recovery of Taiwan, General Shi Lang respectfully invited the Mazu statue from Pinghai Tianhou Temple onto his flagship to bless and safeguard the fleet. After landing on the island, he enshrined the Mazu statue in the Grand Tianhou Temple in Tainan, making it the first Mazu golden statue in Taiwan. In the 22nd year of the Kangxi reign, Shi Lang returned to the capital and petitioned the Qing government to renovate Pinghai Tianhou Temple, recast the Mazu statue, and compose the “Shiquan Well Record” stone tablet (which remains well-preserved) recounting the miracle of Mazu’s manifestation providing water. He also personally inscribed the large regular-script “Shiquan” (师泉) stone tablet erected beside the well (also well-preserved). This ancient stone engraving serves as a historical testament to the Qing government’s recovery of Taiwan and the unification of the motherland.

Lin Mo, also known as Mo Niang, was affectionately called “Auntie,” “Goddess Mother,” 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 Isle, Putian County, Lin Mo never cried even once from birth until she was one month old, hence she was named “Mo” (meaning silent), also called “Mo Niang.” Her great-grandfather Baoji served in the Zhou Dynasty as a commanding general but resigned from office and secluded himself on Meizhou. Her grandfather Fu inherited his family’s honors and served as the Fujian Regional Commander. Her father Yuan held the position of Fujian Patrol Inspector in the early Song Dynasty. Mo Niang was exceptionally intelligent; at the age of 8, while studying under a private tutor, she could already comprehend the gist of the texts. As she grew older, she enjoyed chanting scriptures and worshipping Buddha. She... More details about Lin Mo ++

Pinghai Village: Pinghai Village is the seat of the Pinghai Town Government in Xiuyu District, Putian City. It enjoys a superior geographical location and convenient transportation, situated 43 kilometers from downtown Putian and 26 kilometers from the Xiuyu District seat, with the Dianping Highway leading directly into the village. The village currently covers a land area of 4.2 square kilometers, with 1,669 mu of arable land and 563 mu of forested land. The per capita arable land is only 0.31 mu. The coastline stretches 6 kilometers, and the average elevation is 28 meters. The village consists of 19 villager groups, encompassing five natural villages: Dongzhi, Xizhi, Shangdongmen, Xiadongmen, and Ximen, with a total of 1,368 households and 7,980 residents. The local population is mainly engaged in commerce, farming,... More details about Pinghai Village ++

Further Reading:

· Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units