Nansha Tianlou Palace

A spectacular Mazu temple overlooking the Pearl River estuary, with mountain scenery, coastal views and historic forts.

Standing at the foot of Dajiao Mountain and facing the waters of the Lingdingyang, Nansha Tianhou Palace is dedicated to Mazu, the revered sea goddess. As the same as for the Fengshan Mazu Temple in Shanwei, the area combines traditional Chinese religious architecture with mountain scenery and coastal views.

About the Sea Goddess

Mazu 妈祖, also known as Tianhou (Empress of Heaven), is one of the most important sea deities in Chinese folk religion and is especially revered across the coastal regions of southern China. According to legend, Mazu was born as Lin Mo during the Song Dynasty on Meizhou Island in Fujian Province. She was believed to possess spiritual powers and became famous for rescuing fishermen and sailors caught in storms. After her death, coastal communities began worshipping her as a protective goddess of the sea.

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#### Statue of Mazu (Tianhou) in Nansha, photo by 建燁 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

Over the centuries, Mazu devotion spread throughout southern China and southeast Asia.
Nowadays, millions of worshippers continue to pray to Mazu for safe voyages, protection from storms and family blessings. In Shanwei and across the Chaoshan coast, Mazu remains deeply connected to fishing communities and maritime culture. Dedicated temples are not only religious landmarks, but also living centers of local identity, folk traditions and coastal heritage.

## Visiting the Area
### About the Temple

The history of Nansha Tianhou Palace goes back to a temple dedicated to Tianfei that once stood in Lujing Village during the Ming Dynasty. After several changes and periods of destruction, the present temple complex was rebuilt in the 1990s following an initiative supported by Hong Kong businessman and philanthropist Henry Fok.

The temple complex includes landscaped gardens, ponds, pavilions and architectural design combining elements inspired by Beijing's Forbidden City with the monumental character of Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum in Nanjing.

The temple is particularly interesting during traditional Mazu celebrations, when religious ceremonies and folk activities bring liveliness to Nansha.

About Dajiao Mountain and the Coastal Landscape

You can easily combine a visit to the temple with the surrounding Dajiao Mountain or the Tianhou Palace Coastal Beach, located at the southeastern foot of the mount

The Nansha Tianhou Palace also has a historical dimension beyond religion and several historic forts are hidden in Dajiao Mountain. They formed part of the coastal defensive system facing the Pearl River estuary and the nearby Shajiao Forts in Dongguan.

The fortifications played a role during the Opium War, and some of the surviving structures still show traces of the fighting.

Nearby Attractions

• Tianhou Palace Coastal Beach
• Nansha Coastal Greenway
• Nansha Wetland Park : mangrove landscapes, waterways and birdwatching

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Thumbnail by PQ77wd - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

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