[2025 Matsu Attraction] Travel Guide for Magang Thean Hou Temple (Updated Oct)

Many places in and around the world are dedicated to the temples of Mazu, also known as the Tianhou Palace. Fuzhou was once an important part of the Silk Road in the sea. Since ancient times, there have been customs of the Mazu, and it is not uncommon to have many Mazu Temples. There is a Luozhou Tianhou Palace in Luozhou Ancient Town of Cangshan District, Fuzhou City. This Tianhou Palace has undergone many repairs to preserve the appearance of today.

The Blessing Tunnel is located directly beneath the giant Mazu statue. It’s a small yet ceremonial spot. By descending the stairs next to the statue, you’ll find the entrance to the tunnel. Walking in feels like embarking on a mysterious journey of blessings. The most unique experience here is "walking under the sedan chair"! The tunnel’s exit is designed to resemble the bottom of Mazu’s sedan chair. Walking through it is said to ward off misfortune and bring good luck. It’s a truly distinctive feature. Whether you believe it or not, the moment you walk through, you’ll feel a sense of being blessed and a calming peace. 🙏 One thing to note is that the tunnel is very short—it takes less than a minute to walk through. So, don’t set your expectations too high. Think of it as a small bonus after visiting the giant Mazu statue, and you’ll find it just right! ✨ Atmosphere/Facilities: The tunnel is cool inside. Though short, it offers a serene, secluded feeling. Once you exit the tunnel, the view opens up to a stunning seascape and Fu'ao Harbor. Many visitors stop here to take photos, capturing both the sea view and the tunnel entrance. Admission: Completely free. Transportation: It’s located within the Mazu Religious and Cultural Park, making it easy to combine with visits to the giant Mazu statue and Mazu Tianhou Temple. Recommended itinerary: Start at the mountain top to pay respects to the giant Mazu statue, then walk down to the Blessing Tunnel to "walk under the sedan chair." After exiting, take a leisurely stroll along the path down to Mazu Tianhou Temple at the foot of the mountain. This completes a perfect blessing journey!

When visiting Matsu, you absolutely cannot miss the most important religious center, "Matsu Tianhou Temple." This temple is the only Mazu temple in the world that houses a tomb for Mazu's clothing and accessories, making it incredibly unique! Although the temple is not large in scale, it is bustling with worshippers, and as soon as you step inside, you can feel the solemn and serene atmosphere. 🙏 One thing to note is that, as an important religious site, visitors should remain quiet and dress appropriately to show respect. ⛩️ Atmosphere/Facilities: Matsu Tianhou Temple is located right by the harbor and features traditional Min Dong-style architecture with fire-sealed walls. The roof's intricate lines are stunning and distinct from temples on Taiwan's main island. The most famous feature of the temple is the legendary tomb of Mazu's clothing and accessories. You can see an area protected by a stone coffin, which is said to be where Mazu's body drifted ashore and was buried by villagers. This is how the name "Matsu" originated. Standing here and listening to the story makes you feel incredibly close to Mazu. In front of the temple is the sea. After paying respects to Mazu, you can enjoy the sea view and breeze at the temple square, bringing a sense of inner peace. 💰 Cost Information: 🔺 Worship Fee: Free entry, but donations for incense are welcome. 🚗 Parking Info: There are parking spaces near the temple, and parking is relatively convenient. ⚠️ Tips: Matsu Tianhou Temple is located next to the "Mazu Religious and Cultural Park," so you can plan to visit the "Giant Mazu Statue" on the hilltop together. It's recommended to visit the statue first and then come down to the Tianhou Temple for worship, as this route is more convenient. 🕰️ Opening Hours: Generally open during the daytime, but it's best not to visit too late to avoid the temple being closed.