Fushan Mazu Tourist Area

Fushan Mazu Tourist Area

The Fushan Mazu Tourist Area is located at the foot of Fushan Mountain in Lucheng, near the Xiahu Highway Entrance of the Shenshan Expressway in Lufeng, enjoying convenient transportation and a superior geographical environment. Within the area stands the Tianhou Palace, nestled against Fushan Mountain and facing the Luohe River, embraced by hills and waters with enchanting scenery. Originally built within Lucheng City, the Tianhou Palace was relocated to its current site in the ninth year of the Yongzheng reign (1731 AD). Initially a small temple, it has undergone multiple renovations and expansions to become a sizable classical-style temple complex. The entire structure features grey bricks, red pillars, and yellow tiles, with an ancient design that embodies the traditional architectural style of Chinese temples.

The main hall of the Tianhou Palace enshrines a statue of the Heavenly Holy Mother, crafted by renowned artisans from Meizhou, Fujian—the hometown of Mazu—and is deeply revered by religious devotees. The second floor hosts the "Mazu Culture Photo Exhibition," which uses detailed text and color photographs to introduce the life of Mazu and the various Mazu temples across Lufeng.

During the Yongzheng reign of the Qing Dynasty, Lufeng selected a site adjacent to the original location of the Tianhou Palace to build a new county government office. To preserve the sanctity and tranquility of the Mazu sacred site, the prominent Lin family residing near the temple relocated the Tianhou Palace to its current position and established a fortified village nearby for protection, naming it "Jiahu Fort." After the liberation, outsiders mistakenly referred to Jiahu Fort as "Xiahu Fort." The villagers, believing the character "Xia" (meaning "dawn" or "radiance") reflected their aspirations for a new life, accepted the name. The fort walls remain well-preserved to this day, standing for over 270 years. The walls are 80 centimeters thick and 2.5 meters high, with the three characters "Jiahu Fort" on the gate still clearly visible. Inside the village, there are five longan trees planted when the fort was established. During the flowering and fruiting seasons, the fragrance is intoxicating, the branches are laden with fruit, and bees, butterflies, and birds create a lively scene. The tree roots, exposed several dozen centimeters above the ground, twist and intertwine inseparably, resembling brothers embracing tightly—forming a unique spectacle of the fort.

To the left of the Tianhou Palace stand two small hills, known as Inner and Outer Flying Goose Hills, covered year-round with lush greenery. Viewed from afar, they resemble a pair of geese spreading their wings and soaring through the sky. The Tianhou Palace and the Flying Goose Hills complement each other, adding an air of mystery to the Mazu sacred site.