Tianhou Palace, commonly known as ‘Goddess Temple’, is located in the Ancient Cultural Street. The goddess Mazu, the ‘Goddess of the Sea’, is enshrined in the palace. It was built in the Yuan Dynasty and has a long history. It is one of several Tianhou Palaces around the world. The ancient architecture, rich folk custom displays, and lively temple fair activities are all attractions for tourists. Tianhou Palace faces east from west.
From east to west, it is composed of a theater building, flagpole, mountain gate, memorial archway, front hall, main hall, Phoenix Tail Hall, Sutra Depository, Qisheng Shrine, as well as bell and drum towers, Zhangxian Pavilion and four side halls. It is one of the earliest existing ancient building complexes in Tianjin. Nowadays, Tianhou Palace has become the location of Tianjin Folk Museum. In addition to retaining the restored display of Tianhou Palace, the museum has also opened exhibition displays based on showing Tianjin folk customs. It systematically presents customs and contents such as water transportation, marriage and childbearing, business, folk life, folk art and folk beliefs. Every year on March 23rd of the lunar calendar is the birthday of the Goddess. At that time, the entire Ancient Cultural Street will hold the imperial fair (originally called ‘Goddess Fair’. It was named ‘imperial fair’ because Emperor Qianlong visited this fair when he toured the south of the Yangtze River). Performances can be seen in the square in front of Tianhou Palace, south and north of the palace. There are dragon lantern dances, lion dances, Shaolin martial arts associations, stilts, Dharma drums, land boats, local Yangko dances, martial arts, as well as Peking opera, Pingju opera, Bangzi opera, etc. It is one of the liveliest temple fairs in Tianjin. Opening hours: Open from Tuesday to Sunday all year round from 09:00 to 17:00; Closed all day on Monday all year round.
