Chiwan Tianhou Palace

Tianhou, also known as Matsu or Heavenly Holy Mother, is popular among the people in the southeastern coastal provinces and regions of China, such as Guangdong, Fujian, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao. According to folk legend, Tianhou lived in Meizhou Island, Fujian in the Northern Song Dynasty. She has been ready to help others before her death at the age of 28. Therefore, people in Fujian made Tianhou’s birthday as the commemoration day of Tianhou, which has been passed from generation to generation.

Chiwan Tianhou Palace lies at the foot of Shenzhen Xiaonan Hill, leaning on the hill and facing the sea with very beautiful scenery, reputed as the top scenic spot among Xin'an Eight Scenic Spots in the Ming Dynasty (1364-1644). It enjoys high reputation in Hongkong, Macao and Taiwan as well as Southeast countries, and has been a popular spot all year round, particularly during the Spring Festival and around the birthday of the goddess of the sea, March 23 of the Chinese lunar year.

At present, there are around 1,500 Matsu temples in about 30 countries and regions of the world, of which some 800 to 1,000 Taiwanese temples dedicated wholly or partly to Matsu. There are reportedly about 16 million Matsu worshippers in Taiwan.

Opening Hours: 8:00 -- 17:30

Ticket Price: 15 CNY

Location: Chiwan Village, Nanshan Zone, Shenzhen

Transportation: Bus No. 31, 70, 77, 204, 226, 232, 231 and 329 will bring you here.