Guangzhou Nansha Tin Hau Temple

Nansha Tin Hau Temple is located at the southeastern foot of Dajiao Mountain in Nansha District, Guangzhou. It was built to commemorate Lin Mo, the Goddess of the Sea, and is the largest structure of its kind among Mazu temples worldwide, earning the reputation of "The First Tin Hau Temple Under Heaven."

Transportation Guide

By Bus: Take bus routes South 1, South 2, South 3, South 4, South 5, South 19, South 53, or South G1, and get off at Nansha Bay Terminal. It is just a few minutes' walk from there.

By MTR: Take MTR Line 4 to Nansha Passenger Port Station. After exiting from Exit B, you can either walk for about 15 minutes or take buses such as Nansha 1 or Nansha 3 to get there.

By Car: Simply navigate to "Nansha Tin Hau Temple" — parking is available nearby at reasonable charges. However, visitor numbers are high on weekends and public holidays, so it is advisable to set off early to avoid traffic congestion and parking difficulties.

Highlights:

Magnificent Architecture: The building complex blends the style of the Forbidden City in Beijing with the grandeur of the Sun Yat‑sen Mausoleum in Nanjing, featuring a symmetrical layout. Along the central axis stand the Memorial Archway, Mountain Gate, Bell and Drum Towers, Offering Hall, Main Hall, Linghui Tower, and Jiaying Pavilion, among others. The majestic yet compassionate statue of Tin Hau, standing 14.5 metres tall and built from 365 pieces of granite, serves as a spiritual anchor for worshippers seeking blessings.

Historical Relics: The Dajiao Mountain Battery Complex once witnessed the Opium Wars. Seven batteries, including Zhenwei and Zhending, and an ammunition depot remain today. Together with the Shajiao Battery in Dongguan across the river, they formed the first line of defence for the Humen Fortress. The scars and crumbling walls bear witness to the vicissitudes of history, and the site is now a protected cultural heritage monument.

Distinctive Murals: The "Tin Hau Sacred Traces" murals along the waterfront road are modelled after paintings from the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty. They depict 48 episodes of miraculous deeds of Mazu, from her birth to the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty, such as "Divine Waves Carrying a Stranded Ship" and "Protecting Imperial Envoys at Sea — Court Sacrifices," vividly illustrating the legend of Mazu saving and helping the world.

Cultural Events: The Nansha Mazu Cultural Tourism Festival is held annually from 1 to 5 May, featuring grand song‑and‑dance performances, traditional worship ceremonies, and sea rituals. On Mazu's birthday (the 23rd day of the third lunar month), fishermen offer tributes, dancers perform the Bayi Dance, and worshippers perform three kneelings and nine prostrations — a truly spectacular sight.

Suggested Route: Upon entering the scenic area, first visit Tin Hau Temple Square to admire the Tin Hau statue; then pass through the Memorial Archway and step into the Mountain Gate, visiting the Bell and Drum Towers and the Offering Hall to soak in the solemn atmosphere. Next, proceed to the Main Hall to pay respects to the Tin Hau statue, and then visit Linghui Tower and Jiaying Pavilion to learn more about Tin Hau culture. Finally, climb Nanling Tower for a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and sea, and visit the Dajiao Mountain Batteries on the way down.

Notes:

Respect religious beliefs and customs — remain quiet and behave courteously in worship areas.

Some buildings in the scenic area are of great antiquity; please do not touch or deface them.

Bring sun protection and mosquito repellent, and take precautions against heatstroke in summer.

Be mindful of the opening hours — entry closes after 18:00.